Winter Kale with Pecans Cranberries (Printable)

Hearty kale with toasted pecans, cranberries, and maple-Dijon dressing for a nutrient-packed winter dish.

# What You Need:

→ Greens

01 - 1 large bunch curly kale (about 8 cups), stems removed and leaves chopped

→ Nuts & Fruit

02 - 1/2 cup pecan halves
03 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries

→ Cheese (optional)

04 - 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

→ Dressing

05 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
07 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
08 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
10 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Add-ins (optional)

11 - 1 small apple, thinly sliced
12 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

# How to Make It:

01 - Place pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently, for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
02 - Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 1–2 minutes until leaves are tender and darkened.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - Add toasted pecans, dried cranberries, sliced apple, and red onion (if using) to the kale. Drizzle with dressing and toss well to combine.
05 - Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese just before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The massage trick transforms tough kale into something impossibly tender, almost like it spent hours braising
  • Toasted pecans add this warm, nutty richness that makes you forget youre eating a salad in January
02 -
  • Skip the kale massage and you will end up with tough, bitter leaves that feel like chewing on grass
  • The dressing can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the fridge, just bring it to room temperature before using
03 -
  • Use a microplane to zest a little lemon into the dressing for an extra bright note that cuts through the rich pecans
  • If making ahead, add the pecans right before serving so they stay perfectly crunchy

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