Warm Kale Maple Mustard Dressing (Printable)

Tender kale with warm maple-mustard glaze, toasted nuts, and cranberries for a vibrant comforting dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 1 large bunch curly kale, stems removed and 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

# How-To:

01 - Place 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 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 Advice:

01 -
  • The warm dressing transforms kale from chewy to buttery soft in minutes, no salad spinner or intimidating prep required.
  • It tastes like comfort food but feels light enough to eat on a weeknight without guilt.
  • You can throw it together in the time it takes water to boil, making it perfect for those random hungry moments.
02 -
  • Don't skip the massaging step thinking it won't make a difference, it absolutely will transform the kale from unpleasant to genuinely tender and pleasant.
  • Keep the dressing warm but not hot when you pour it over the kale, if it's too hot it'll make the salad wilt into sadness instead of that perfect tender state.
03 -
  • Toast your own nuts instead of buying pre-toasted ones, the difference in flavor and crispness is honestly remarkable and takes maybe five minutes.
  • Make the dressing ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving, this actually lets the flavors deepen and mellow slightly.
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