Warm Kale Maple Mustard Dressing (Printable)

Tender massaged kale with warm maple-mustard glaze, toasted nuts, and cranberries creates this vibrant comforting dish.

# What You Need:

→ Salad Components

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

# How-To:

01 - Place the kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Massage the kale for 2–3 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.
05 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with crumbled feta cheese, if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

# Insider Tips:

01 -
  • Kale transforms from tough to tender in just three minutes of hands-on time
  • The warm dressing creates this incredible contrast with cold, crisp toppings
  • It's one of those rare salads that actually satisfies like a full meal
02 -
  • Massaging kale isn't optional, it's what transforms the leaves from fibrous to luxurious
  • Don't let the dressing get hot, just gently warmed, otherwise the oil might separate
  • This salad is best served immediately but the dressed greens will keep for a day in the fridge
03 -
  • Remove kale stems completely before tearing, they never get tender no matter how much you massage
  • The dressing should feel like bathwater warmth, not hot, to preserve the oil's integrity
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