Grape and Feta Kale Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. The kale adds a satisfying crunch, while the grapes bring a burst of sweetness. The feta cheese offers a creamy contrast, and the candied almonds provide a delightful crunch. The lemon-dijon vinaigrette ties it all together with a refreshing zing. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great option for a healthy meal.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 1 bunch kale, leaves cut off the stem and chopped
• 1½ cup grapes, sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil (see substitution below)
• 1/2 lemon, juiced

For the candied almonds:

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup (use the real stuff!)
• Cracked sea salt, to taste

For the lemon-dijon vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
• 2 tsp honey
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp olive oil (I like using extra light tasting)
• Cracked pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. To make the candied almonds, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the raw almonds and maple syrup. Stir constantly for 5-7 minutes, until the almonds are toasted and coated in the syrup. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cracked sea salt. Let them cool completely.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, sliced grapes, and feta cheese.
3. Drizzle the kale salad with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over it. Gently toss to coat.
4. For the lemon-dijon vinaigrette, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, and cracked pepper in a small bowl.
5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Top the salad with the candied almonds just before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes (for the candied almonds)
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.
• Add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for added protein.
• If you prefer a different nut, try using candied pecans or walnuts.
• You can also add a few slices of red onion or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
• Use agave syrup or another sweetener instead of honey for a vegan dressing.

Storage/Reheating

• Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• The salad will keep for 2-3 days, but the candied almonds are best added just before serving for maximum crunch.
• The dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese in this salad?

Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a sharp cheddar.

2. Can I use pre-washed kale?

Yes, pre-washed kale works fine for this salad. Just make sure to remove the stems and chop it before assembling the salad.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but it’s best to add the candied almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy.

4. Can I substitute the maple syrup for another sweetener?

Yes, you can use honey or agave syrup in place of maple syrup for the candied almonds.

5. Is there a substitute for the dijon mustard in the vinaigrette?

If you don’t have dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or even skip it for a simpler vinaigrette.

6. Can I use another type of nut instead of almonds?

Yes, you can use pecans, walnuts, or cashews instead of almonds. Just be sure to adjust the candying process accordingly.

7. Can I add more sweetness to the salad?

If you like your salad sweeter, try adding more grapes or a few extra teaspoons of honey to the vinaigrette.

8. How do I make the vinaigrette less tangy?

If the vinaigrette is too tangy for your liking, you can add a bit more honey to balance out the flavors.

9. Can I use frozen grapes for this salad?

Frozen grapes would work well for a refreshing twist, but they may not provide the same texture as fresh grapes. Let them thaw before adding them to the salad.

10. How can I make this salad spicier?

If you’d like a bit of spice, try adding red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette or a few slices of jalapeño for extra heat.

Conclusion

The Grape and Feta Kale Salad is a delicious blend of fresh ingredients, offering a unique balance of sweetness, tang, and crunch. With its easy-to-make candied almonds, flavorful lemon-dijon vinaigrette, and nutrient-packed kale, this salad is a great option for a light meal or side dish. It’s healthy, flavorful, and sure to impress your guests!

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