Warm Kale Maple Mustard (Printable Version)

Tender massaged kale with warm maple-mustard glaze, toasted nuts, and sweet cranberries.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 1 large bunch curly kale, stems removed, leaves torn (about 8 cups)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
04 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries
05 - 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
06 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional

→ Maple Mustard Dressing

08 - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
09 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
10 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
13 - 3 tablespoons olive oil

# Directions:

01 - Place kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Massage the kale for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes vibrant green and tender.
02 - In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and salt. Once combined and just warm, slowly whisk in the 3 tablespoons olive oil until emulsified. Remove from heat.
03 - Pour the warm maple mustard dressing over the massaged kale and toss to coat thoroughly.
04 - Add the dried cranberries, toasted pecans or walnuts, and sliced red onion. Toss gently to combine.
05 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The warm dressing transforms kale from something you feel obligated to eat into something you actually crave, especially when the weather turns.
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect, which means weeknight dinners suddenly feel less like a chore and more like a small act of self-care.
  • The maple-mustard balance is bold enough to stand on its own but elegant enough to sit beside roasted chicken or fish without stealing the show.
02 -
  • The dressing must be warm or at least room temperature when it hits the kale, or you'll end up with a cold, ordinary salad instead of something that feels like comfort food.
  • Massaging the raw kale isn't optional laziness—it breaks down the cellulose and makes the leaves edible in a way that transforms the entire dish from something requiring patience to something genuinely delicious.
03 -
  • Toast your own nuts instead of buying pre-toasted—they cost less, taste fresher, and your kitchen will smell incredible while they're warming in a dry pan.
  • Make the dressing a few minutes before you need it so it has time to come together and taste integrated rather than like three things happening in the same bowl.
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