This salad is both wholesome and full of flavor. The sweetness of Honeycrisp apples pairs beautifully with the rich, slightly salty Manchego cheese, while kale provides a hearty base that holds up well to dressing. It’s great for meal prep, easy to customize, and works as both a side dish or a light main course.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the salad: kale, stems removed and chopped Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced Manchego cheese, shaved or cubed toasted almonds or walnuts dried cranberries (optional)
For the dressing: olive oil lemon juice or apple cider vinegar honey Dijon mustard salt black pepper
Directions
Wash and dry the kale, then remove the stems and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Place the kale in a large bowl and massage it with a small drizzle of olive oil for a few minutes until it softens.
Add the sliced apples, Manchego cheese, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries if using.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. Swap Manchego with Parmesan or feta cheese. Use pears instead of apples for a different sweetness. Add avocado for extra creaminess. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, store dressing separately and combine before serving. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, any crisp, sweet-tart apple works well.
What is Manchego cheese?
It’s a Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk with a nutty flavor.
Do I have to massage the kale?
It’s recommended to soften the texture and improve flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but add the apples and dressing just before serving.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss them in a little lemon juice before adding.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
What nuts work best?
Almonds and walnuts are great, but pecans also work well.
Can I use bagged kale?
Yes, just make sure it’s fresh and chopped.
What pairs well with this salad?
It goes well with roasted meats, soups, or sandwiches.
Conclusion
Honeycrisp Manchego Kale Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that brings together bold flavors and nourishing ingredients. Whether served as a side or enjoyed on its own, it’s a simple yet elegant salad that’s perfect for any occasion.
This Honeycrisp Manchego Kale Salad is a fresh and flavorful salad made with crisp Honeycrisp apples, nutty Manchego cheese, and hearty kale tossed in a tangy honey Dijon dressing. Perfect for healthy meals, this easy kale salad is packed with texture, nutrients, and a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Side Dish / Salad
Method:No-Cook
Cuisine:Mediterranean-Inspired
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the salad:
4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
¾ cup Manchego cheese, shaved or cubed
½ cup toasted almonds or walnuts
⅓ cup dried cranberries (optional)
For the dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Wash and dry the kale thoroughly. Remove stems and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Place kale in a large bowl and massage with a small drizzle of olive oil for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add sliced Honeycrisp apples, Manchego cheese, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries if using.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
Massaging kale improves texture and reduces bitterness.Toss apples in lemon juice to prevent browning.Use freshly shaved Manchego for best flavor and texture.Add dressing just before serving for optimal freshness if meal prepping.
