Maple-Dijon Kale and Apple Salad with Toasted Pecans

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty salad featuring massaged kale, crisp apples, and toasted pecans in a sweet-tangy maple-Dijon dressing. This american-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 15 minutes pairs Kale, medium Honeycrisp apples, Pecans 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 300 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
  2. Step 2: Place chopped kale in a large bowl, drizzle with 1 tbsp of the dressing, and massage with hands for 2 minutes until leaves soften and darken.
  3. Step 3: Add thinly sliced apples to the kale and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Divide salad between plates, top with toasted pecans, and drizzle with remaining dressing before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Dijon Kale and Apple Salad with Toasted Pecans take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Maple-Dijon Kale and Apple Salad with Toasted Pecans?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep kale from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Dijon Kale and Apple Salad with Toasted Pecans?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Maple-Dijon Kale and Apple Salad with Toasted Pecans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Maple-Dijon Kale and Apple Salad with Toasted Pecans vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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