Honeycrisp Apple and Kale Salad

Love this fall salad. It takes a while to put together so I typically make it when we are entertaining.

Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup raw pepitas
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
  • 2 heads kale, shredded
  • 2 honey crisp apples, thinly sliced
  • arils from 1 pomegranate
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Cider Vinaigrette:

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fig preserves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  2. On the prepared baking sheet, toss together the pepitas, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Arrange in a single layer. Lay the prosciutto flat around the pepitas. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the pepitas are toasted and the prosciutto is crisp.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large salad bowl, combine the kale, apples, and pomegranates.
  4. To make the vinaigrette. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the shallots, cook until fragrant, 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat, let cool slightly. Add the apple cider vinegar, fig preserves, and thyme. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. 
  5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad, tossing to combine. Top the salad with toasted pepitas, prosciutto, and feta.

Notes: