Brie-and-Apple Kale Salad with Honey Vinaigrette is like a hug in a bowl, whispering sweet nothings through crunchy kale, creamy Brie, and tart apples. Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quinoa Imagine this vibrant dish gracing your table, drizzled with a honey vinaigrette that dances on your taste buds and beckons you for another bite.
On cozy evenings or sunny picnics, this salad steals the show, offering a delightful crunch paired with luscious creaminess. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to something special, the anticipation of flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds. cozy apple muffins.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Brie-and-Apple Kale Salad with Honey Vinaigrette is effortless to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Its flavor profile is a delightful blend of sweet and savory that keeps you reaching for more
- A feast for the eyes with its bright colors and textures, this salad is as beautiful as it is tasty
- Enjoy it as a side dish or make it the main event; it’s versatile enough for any occasion
I remember the first time I made this salad; my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely had time to grab a fork myself! For more inspiration, check out this Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Kale: Use fresh, vibrant kale leaves; they should be deep green and crisp for optimal texture.
- Brie Cheese: Choose ripe Brie for creamy goodness; it should have a gentle aroma that tempts your taste buds.
- Apples: Pick your favorite variety; tart apples add a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese. Salted Caramel Apple Pie.
- Honey: Opt for quality honey; its natural sweetness elevates the vinaigrette’s flavor profile beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its fruity notes and health benefits; it complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic brings depth and tang; choose high-quality for best results.
- Salt and Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds warmth while salt enhances all flavors; use to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. chickpea soup for a meal.
Let’s Make it Together
Strongly embrace your inner chef as we dive into creating this delightful salad.
Prepare the Kale: Start by rinsing 4 cups of kale under cold water. Remove tough stems and tear leaves into bite-sized pieces, feeling the freshness in your hands.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Smell that sweetness? You’re on your way!
Slice the Apples: Core and thinly slice 1-2 apples. Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji to balance the rich Brie. Feel free to toss them in lemon juice if you want to avoid browning.
Assemble Your Salad: In a large bowl, combine kale leaves with apple slices. Crumble about 4 ounces of Brie over top—don’t be shy! It should cascade down like cheesy confetti.
Toss It All Together: Drizzle your honey vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything until evenly coated. The colors should pop vibrantly against each other.
Serve & Enjoy!: Plate your masterpiece in bowls or on a platter. Let everyone marvel at its beauty before diving in—just don’t let them take all the Brie!
Now sit back and watch as your guests are charmed by this delicious mix of flavors and textures!
You Must Know
- This delightful Brie-and-Apple Kale Salad with Honey Vinaigrette combines crisp textures and sweet flavors
- The kale’s crunch complements the creamy Brie, while the honey vinaigrette ties everything together, making it a perfect side or light main dish for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To prepare this salad efficiently, start by washing and chopping the kale, then slice the apples and Brie. Whisk the honey vinaigrette while you assemble the ingredients for a quick, seamless creation. For more inspiration, check out this Sausage Kale Pasta Recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out apples for pears or add nuts like walnuts for extra crunch. A sprinkle of dried cranberries adds sweetness and color, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Storing & Reheating
Store your assembled salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. If you prefer it warm, gently sauté it on low heat before serving to maintain quality.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Embrace kale’s natural bitterness by massaging it with olive oil; it softens beautifully
- Choose ripe Brie that melts easily for a creamier texture
- Always serve the vinaigrette on the side to keep your salad fresh longer
The first time I served this salad during a summer barbecue, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. They even dubbed me “The Kale Whisperer,” which still makes me chuckle!
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for Brie?
Creamy goat cheese or feta work well as alternatives to Brie in this salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone.
Brie-and-Apple Kale Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Brie-and-Apple Kale Salad with Honey Vinaigrette is a deliciously vibrant dish that combines crunchy kale, creamy Brie, and tart apples, all drizzled with a sweet honey vinaigrette. Perfect for cozy evenings or sunny picnics, this salad is a feast for the eyes and taste buds alike. Easy to prepare, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side or main dish, making it ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh kale, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 4 ounces ripe Brie cheese, crumbled
- 1–2 tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the kale under cold water and remove tough stems. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Core and slice the apples thinly. Optionally toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a large bowl, combine kale leaves with apple slices. Crumble the Brie over the top.
- Drizzle the honey vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately on plates or a platter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added crunch, consider substituting apples with pears or adding walnuts. Dried cranberries can enhance both flavor and presentation. Massage the kale with olive oil before assembling to soften it.