Chopped Kale and Apple Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-13 · Updated 2026-04-13

A vibrant, crisp salad featuring chopped kale, tart apples, and a tangy vinaigrette, ideal for a refreshing lunch. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs stems removed and finely chopped kale, thinly sliced honey crisp apples, thinly sliced red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 5 oz, stems removed and finely chopped kale
• 2, thinly sliced honey crisp apples
• 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place 5 oz chopped kale in a large bowl and add 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion; massage with hands for 2 minutes until kale softens slightly.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
3. Step 3: Toss 2 thinly sliced honey crisp apples into the kale mixture, then drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently until evenly coated.