Introduction
Experience a flavorful twist on salad with this vibrant Kale Apple Salad featuring crispy shallots and garlic bread cheese. This dish combines nutritious greens, sweet apples, and crunchy toppings, making it a delightful option for lunch, dinner, or a side dish at gatherings. Let’s dive into the details of this refreshing recipe!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 cups kale, finely chopped
2 cups Brussels sprouts, finely shredded
4 shallots, thinly sliced
1–2 large Honeycrisp apples
1 cup rosemary cashews, roughly chopped
1 block garlic bread cheese, cubed
1/4–1/3 cup vegetable oil
Salad Girl Crisp Apple Maple dressing, or a dressing of your choice
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by shredding the kale and Brussels sprouts. Chop the Honeycrisp apples and rosemary cashews. To maintain the apples’ freshness, toss them with a few drops of lemon juice to prevent browning.
Fry the Shallots:
In a skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and fry until they turn golden and crispy. Alternatively, if you prefer a microwave method, place the sliced shallots in a small bowl and barely cover them with vegetable oil. Microwave on high for about 5-6 minutes, monitoring closely. Once they begin to shrink, continue microwaving in 15-30 second increments until light golden, which usually takes around 7 minutes total. Remove from oil and let them drain on paper towels, seasoning with salt. These crispy shallots can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for about a week.
Fry the Cheese:
In a nonstick pan over medium heat, fry the cubed garlic bread cheese until golden brown and crispy.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded kale, Brussels sprouts, chopped apples, chopped rosemary cashews, crispy shallots, and fried cheese cubes. Drizzle with Salad Girl Crisp Apple Maple dressing or your preferred dressing, tossing everything together until well combined.
Serve:
Enjoy your freshly prepared Kale Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots, a perfect blend of tastes and textures that will leave you coming back for more!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
– Shred the kale and Brussels sprouts.
– Chop the apples and cashews.
– To prevent the apples from browning, toss them with a few drops of lemon juice.
Fry the Shallots:
– In a skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat.
– Add the sliced shallots and fry until they turn golden and crispy.
– Alternatively, for a microwave method:
– Place the sliced shallots in a small bowl and just barely cover them with vegetable or canola oil (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup).
– Microwave on high for about 5–6 minutes, keeping a close eye on them.
– Once the shallots start to shrink, continue microwaving in 15–30 second increments until they are light golden (usually around 7 minutes total).
– Remove from the oil, place on paper towels, and season with salt.
– These can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for about a week.
Fry the Cheese:
– In a nonstick pan over medium heat, fry the cubed garlic bread cheese until golden brown and delicious.
Assemble the Salad:
– In a large bowl, combine the shredded kale, Brussels sprouts, chopped apples, chopped rosemary cashews, crispy shallots, and fried cheese cubes.
– Drizzle with the Salad Girl Crisp Apple Maple dressing (or your chosen dressing).
– Toss everything together until well combined.
Serve:
– Enjoy your freshly prepared Kale Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots!
Notes
Substitutions:
– Halloumi cheese can be used in place of garlic bread cheese if preferred.
Storage:
– The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but the individual components can be prepped in advance and combined right before serving to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
– This salad pairs well with protein options like grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier meal.
Cook techniques
Chopping Kale
Finely chop the kale using a knife or, for a quicker method, use a food processor. This ensures the kale is tender and well-integrated into the salad.
Shredding Brussels Sprouts
Use a mandoline slicer for even and thin shreds of Brussels sprouts. This technique allows for better texture and flavor distribution in the salad.
Slicing Shallots
Thinly slice shallots with a sharp knife or mandoline to enhance their sweetness and texture in the dish.
Prepping Apples
Chop Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces, and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain their crispness.
Frying Shallots
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry sliced shallots until golden and crispy for added flavor and crunch. Alternatively, microwave them in oil to achieve a similar result.
Frying Cheese
Fry cubed garlic bread cheese in a nonstick pan over medium heat until golden and slightly crispy. This will add a delightful salty and savory component to the salad.
Assembling the Salad
Combine all the prepared ingredients in a large bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flavors by tossing gently with dressing.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of nut instead of cashews?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your preferred nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, depending on your taste preference.
What if I can’t find garlic bread cheese?
Halloumi cheese can be used as a substitute for garlic bread cheese, providing a similar texture and flavor.
How long can I store the fried shallots?
Fried shallots can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for about a week.
What dressing alternatives can I use?
You can use any dressing of your choice, such as balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon olive oil dressing, to complement the salad.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
While the salad can be prepared in advance, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
Conclusion
This Kale Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The combination of tender kale, crunchy Brussels sprouts, sweet Honeycrisp apples, and crispy shallots creates a deliciously satisfying dish. The addition of rosemary cashews and fried garlic bread cheese adds a wonderful depth, making this salad perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this vibrant salad as a healthy side dish or as a light main course!
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