Kale salad (v 2.0)

On my last trip to our local farmers' market, I came home with an absolutely enormous bunch of fresh kale, and I've been looking for interesting ways to use it up ever since.  Our guinea pig has been very happy to help in this regard; she squeaks like a maniac every night after we get up from the dinner table in the hopes that someone will bring her some of the curly green leaves (and maybe a piece of carrot and a slice of apple, too!) to munch on.  The people part of our family enjoyed a similar combination of fresh veggies and fruit tonight at dinner in the form of a crunchy kale salad.  While I've posted a kale salad recipe before, this version has become my new favourite.  The combination of kale, celery, carrots, and crisp fall apples along with toasted walnuts and a homemade honey dijon vinaigrette is delicious and oh-so-good for you!

Kale Salad with Apples and Carrots

For the salad:

1 bunch of kale, washed and shredded (*if you buy an absolutely enormous bunch of kale like I did, you may not want to use the whole thing!)
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
1 stalk of celery, thinly sliced
1 apple, cored and diced
1/2 cup raw walnuts, coarsely chopped and lightly toasted

For the dressing: 

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp raw honey
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 clove of garlic, crushed
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
sea salt and pepper, to taste

Add the shredded kale, grated carrot, sliced celery, and diced apples to a salad bowl.  In a smaller bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients.  Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all of the greens, veggies, and fruit are coated.  Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top of the salad and serve.

If you prefer your kale leaves to be a little softer, you can make this salad an hour ahead of when you plan to eat it and let it stand in the fridge.  Leave out the walnuts when you first make the salad, though, and sprinkle them on top just before serving.

This salad is a simply perfect way to enjoy the many health benefits of kale.  Our guinea pig doesn't need any coaxing to gobble up her greens; hopefully this salad will encourage your family to do the same!