Kale Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots Recipe
Introduction
This Kale Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots is a fresh and flavorful dish that combines crunchy greens, sweet apples, and savory fried cheese. With a delightful mix of textures and a tangy dressing, it makes a perfect light lunch or side salad.
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, chopped finely (food processor optional)
- 2 cups brussels sprouts, finely shredded (mandoline recommended)
- 4 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1/4–1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1–2 large honeycrisp apples
- 1 cup rosemary cashews, roughly chopped (Planter’s Rosemary Sea Salt cashews suggested)
- 1 block garlic bread cheese, cubed (halloumi can be used as a substitute)
- Salad Girl Crisp Apple Maple dressing or dressing of choice
Instructions
- Step 1: Shred the kale and brussels sprouts finely using a food processor or mandoline. Store them in containers in the fridge if preparing ahead. Chop the cashews and apples, and toss the apples with a few drops of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet with some vegetable oil and fry the shallots until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can fry them in the microwave following a preferred method for quick crisping.
- Step 3: Cube the garlic bread cheese and fry it in a nonstick pan over medium heat until golden brown on all sides.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the kale, brussels sprouts, apples, chopped cashews, crispy shallots, and fried cheese. Toss everything with your dressing of choice until well coated.
- Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy your salad full of fresh flavors and satisfying crunch!
Tips & Variations
- Substitute halloumi if you can’t find garlic bread cheese; it also fries well and adds a salty, creamy bite.
- Toss apples with lemon juice right after cutting to keep them looking fresh and prevent browning.
- For a nut-free version, omit the cashews and consider adding toasted seeds instead.
- Use any favorite dressing if you prefer a different flavor profile; a tangy vinaigrette complements the ingredients well.
Storage
Store the salad ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the fried shallots and cheese separate to maintain their crispness. Assemble and toss just before serving. Reheat the cheese briefly in a pan if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the kale, brussels sprouts, nuts, and apples in advance. Keep fried shallots and cheese separate until ready to serve to maintain texture.
What is garlic bread cheese?
Garlic bread cheese is a firm, mild cheese often used in savory dishes. If unavailable, halloumi is a great substitute as it fries well without melting too much.
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Kale Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Kale Apple Salad featuring finely shredded kale and Brussels sprouts, sweet honeycrisp apples, rosemary cashews, crispy fried shallots, and golden fried garlic bread cheese, all tossed in a tangy apple maple dressing for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruits
- 4 cups kale, chopped finely (optional: use a food processor)
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, finely shredded with a mandoline
- 1–2 large honeycrisp apples, chopped
- 4 shallots, thinly sliced
Nuts and Cheese
- 1 cup rosemary cashews, roughly chopped (such as Planter’s Rosemary Sea Salt cashews)
- 1 block garlic bread cheese, cubed (halloumi can be used as a substitute)
Oils and Dressing
- 1/4–1/3 cup vegetable oil (for frying shallots and cheese)
- Salad Girl Crisp Apple Maple dressing (or dressing of choice or homemade)
Instructions
- Chop and Prep: Finely shred the kale and Brussels sprouts using a food processor and mandoline, respectively. Chop the apples and nuts and set aside. Toss apples with a few drops of lemon juice to prevent browning if desired.
- Make Crispy Shallots: Heat a bit of vegetable oil in a skillet and fry the thinly sliced shallots over medium heat until they turn golden and crispy. Alternatively, fry shallots in the microwave following the notes method.
- Fry the Cheese: Cube the garlic bread cheese and fry it in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until golden brown and deliciously crispy on the outside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded kale, Brussels sprouts, chopped apples, rosemary cashews, crispy shallots, and fried cheese. Drizzle with Salad Girl Crisp Apple Maple dressing or your preferred dressing and toss well to combine.
- Serve: Enjoy your flavorful and healthy kale apple salad immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- To prevent apple slices from browning, toss them with a few drops of lemon juice immediately after chopping.
- To make crispy shallots in the microwave, spread thinly sliced shallots on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels, microwave in short bursts (about 1 minute), stirring in between, until golden and crispy.
- You can prepare the shredded kale and Brussels sprouts in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week to make quick salad assembly easier.
- Halloumi cheese can be used as a substitute for garlic bread cheese if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: kale salad, apple salad, crispy shallots, fried cheese, healthy salad, autumn salad, kale and Brussels sprouts salad, rosemary cashews, apple maple dressing
