Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the *Holiday Kale Crunch Salad*! It’s honestly one of my favorite things to whip up for gatherings because it’s so vibrant and crunchy—just perfect for the festive season. I love how the colors pop on the table, and the mixture of textures is just delightful! The kale provides that sturdy base, while the Brussels sprouts and red cabbage add a lovely crunch, making every bite a celebration of freshness. And don’t even get me started on the sweetness from the dried cranberries and the creamy feta on top! Trust me, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. It’s a surefire way to impress your friends and family, and they’ll definitely be asking for the recipe! So, let’s dive in and get you started on making this delicious dish.

Ingredients List

4 cups kale, chopped (I love using curly kale for extra texture!)
1 cup Brussels sprouts, shredded (Fresh ones are best, but pre-shredded works too!)
1 cup red cabbage, shredded (It adds such a beautiful color!)
1/2 cup carrots, grated (Feel free to adjust for sweetness!)
1/2 cup almonds, sliced (I like using toasted almonds for extra flavor!)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (These bring a lovely sweetness to balance the crunch!)
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (Optional, but it adds a creamy richness!)
1/4 cup olive oil (Extra virgin is my go-to for the best taste!)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (It adds just the right tang!)
1 tablespoon honey (Adjust to your taste; you can always add more!)
Salt and pepper to taste (Don’t skip this—seasoning makes all the difference!)

How to Prepare the Holiday Kale Crunch Salad

Alright, let’s get right into it! Preparing the *Holiday Kale Crunch Salad* is super easy and oh-so-rewarding. You’ll have a vibrant dish ready in no time, and trust me, the crunch is worth every minute.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, wash your kale and Brussels sprouts thoroughly. I like to soak them in cold water for a few minutes to get rid of any grit. Once clean, chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and shred those Brussels sprouts—this is where the fun crunch begins!
Next, grab your trusty box grater or a food processor to shred the red cabbage and grate the carrots. Make sure to keep an eye on your fingers while grating—oops, safety first!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale, shredded Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, and grated carrots. Give it a good toss to mix everything up. You want those colors to mingle beautifully!
Now, it’s time for the fun additions! Toss in the sliced almonds and dried cranberries. I love how the nuts add that satisfying crunch, and the cranberries bring a sweetness that’s just divine.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. This dressing is the magic touch! Pour it over your salad and toss everything again until it’s well-coated.
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. It’s like the icing on the cake, adding creaminess that makes the salad even more irresistible!

And there you have it! This gorgeous salad is ready to be served. You can make it a few hours ahead of time if you want; just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy that crunch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip this salad up in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy holiday prep!
Fresh and Crunchy: Every bite is packed with vibrant flavors and delightful textures.
Healthy Choice: Loaded with nutrients, this salad is a guilt-free addition to any meal.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite proteins or swap in different toppings!
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a beautiful dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

Tips for Success

To make your *Holiday Kale Crunch Salad* truly shine, here are some tips that I swear by! First, massage the kale with a little olive oil and salt before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps to soften the leaves and enhances the flavor—trust me, it makes a world of difference!

If you want to save time, you can prep your ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just toss everything together right before serving to keep that crunch intact. Also, feel free to switch up the nuts or cheese based on what you have on hand—walnuts or goat cheese would work wonderfully too!

Lastly, don’t be afraid to taste as you go! Adjust the dressing to suit your palate; a splash more vinegar can add that zing if you like it tangy. Enjoy the process, and let your creativity shine!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying the *Holiday Kale Crunch Salad*, it’s great to know what you’re getting in each serving! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values:

Calories: 220
Fat: 15g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 150mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But one thing’s for sure—this salad is packed with nutrients while being absolutely delicious!

FAQ Section

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that delightful crunch.

What can I add for extra protein? Great question! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some roasted tofu would be fantastic additions to make this *Holiday Kale Crunch Salad* even heartier.

Can I use other greens instead of kale? Yes, you can! While kale is my favorite for its texture, feel free to swap in spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile.

Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, it is! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a perfect option for gluten-sensitive guests.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the salad may soften a bit over time, but it will still be tasty!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers of your *Holiday Kale Crunch Salad* is super simple! Just place any uneaten salad in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the kale might lose some of its crunch over time, but it’ll still be delicious!

If you want to refresh the salad before serving it again, try adding a little splash of olive oil or a drizzle of lemon juice to liven things up. This can help revive the flavors and texture! Just give it a good toss to combine everything once more.

As for reheating, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to heat it up. Simply enjoy it straight from the fridge for a quick, nutritious snack or side dish!

Serving Suggestions

Pairing the *Holiday Kale Crunch Salad* with the right dishes can elevate your meal to a whole new level! I love serving it alongside a juicy roast chicken or some herb-marinated grilled salmon for a delightful contrast of flavors. If you’re looking for something vegetarian, try adding some stuffed bell peppers or a warm quinoa dish for a hearty touch. Oh, and don’t forget some crusty bread on the side—it’s perfect for soaking up any extra dressing! This salad brings brightness to any plate, making it a fabulous addition to your holiday spread!

Holiday Kale Crunch Salad: 5 Steps to Festive Delight

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and crunchy salad perfect for holiday gatherings.

Instructions

Wash and chop the kale and Brussels sprouts.
Shred the red cabbage and grate the carrots.
In a large bowl, combine kale, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, and carrots.
Add sliced almonds and dried cranberries to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Notes

Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
You can add grilled chicken for extra protein.
This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Holiday Kale Crunch Salad

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