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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

    Updated: Aug 17, 2023 by Gustavo De Obaldia

    Written by Gustavo De Obaldia

    Fall is the perfect time to enjoy leafy green salads packed with seasonal vegetables. This vegan kale salad is one of my favorites – it's easy to make, flavorful, and healthy. The recipe calls for crunchy apples, cranberries, and toasted pecans, making it a delicious and nutritious way to fuel your autumn adventures. Give it a try!

    Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Comments

    This fall kale salad is the perfect addition to your holiday nut roast, and pairs very well with heavier main dishes like a sweet potato apple crunch, a vegetable casserole, and gluten-free cornbread, and cornbread stuffing.

    We always make big salads, and keep them dressing-free, so we can keep any leftovers in the refrigerator and add more fresh veggies when we are ready to eat them. Then we simply add this homemade salad dressing like our herby balsamic vinaigrette directly to the serving plates.

    Jump to:
    • 💚 Why you will love it
    • 🧾 Ingredients
    • 🍽 Equipment
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💡Expert tips
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • 🥬 More kale recipes
    • 🎥 Video
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    💚 Why you will love it

    • Sweet and Tangy
    • Superfood Ingredients
    • Quick Preparation
    • Vibrantly Colorful
    • Perfectly Balanced

    🧾 Ingredients

    This kale spinach salad calls for staple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

    Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing ingredients

    For the Maple Balsamic vinaigrette:

    Maple Balsamic Dressing ingredients
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, it adds a rich, fruity flavor to the salad and is packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
    • Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: A splash of this brightens up the salad, giving it a fresh and zesty kick, and it’s a natural source of vitamin C to boost the immune system.
    • Pure Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener balances the tanginess of the vinegars and lemon juice, and is a mineral-rich alternative to refined sugars.
    • Dijon Mustard: Adds a smooth and sophisticated depth to the dressing, with a hint of spice, and helps emulsify the dressing for perfect blending.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar: With its tangy flavor, it’s a salad’s best friend and is celebrated for its potential to improve digestion and lower blood sugar levels.
    • Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a sweet and tart richness to the dressing, aged to perfection, and known for its antioxidants and potential heart health benefits.
    • Garlic Powder: A pinch of this brings a warm, savory depth to the salad, is easier to distribute than fresh garlic, and has been linked to various health benefits.

    For the Kale Spinach Salad:

    Vegan Kale Salad ingredients
    • Raw Kale, Stripped of Any Thick Stems: This supergreen is nutrient-dense, adds a hearty, chewy texture to the salad, and is loaded with vitamins A, K, and C, and is a fantastic source of fiber.
    • Baby Spinach: Tender and mild, it adds volume and a soft texture to the salad, and is also a powerhouse of iron, calcium, and antioxidants.
    • Red Apple: Adds a sweet and crisp contrast to the leafy greens, high in fiber and vitamin C, and they say an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
    • Raw Pecans: These add a delightful crunch and are a fantastic source of healthy fats and protein, and are also rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation.
    • Dried Cranberries: These sweet and tart morsels add a pop of color and a chewy texture, and are a great source of fiber and antioxidants.

    Optional: extra-firm tofu to make a complete meal instead of a side dish. You can also have it with a grilled tofu marinade or crispy tofu cubes.

    Substitutions

    One of the beauties of this salad is its versatility; here are some proven and tried substitutions.

    • Curly kale - instead of chopped kale, use lacinato kale (dinosaur kale) or other leafy greens such as chopped Swiss Chard, shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, or even shredded Brussels sprouts.
    • Pecans - use walnuts, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), slivered almonds, or toasted almonds. You can also use brown sugar candied nuts.
    • Dried cranberries - instead, you can use dried cherries, raisins, or sultanas.
    • Red apple - use any kind of apples, strawberries, pears, or fresh peaches.
    • Mustard - replace for dijon mustard to make an apple dijon dressing.
    • Garlic powder - use one minced fresh garlic instead.
    • Lemon juice - feel free to replace it with lime juice to make this citrus balsamic vinaigrette.
    • Maple syrup - instead, you can use agave syrup, homemade date paste, or vegan honey (affiliate link).

    🍽 Equipment

    For this balsamic maple dressing, we find it super helpful to use a lemon press whenever we use lemon or lime juice in a recipe.

    If you have this kale crunch salad with tofu, make sure you use a non-stick skillet for the best results.

    🔪 Instructions

    To make this kale crunch salad recipe, start by toasting and measuring your ingredients.

    lightly toast pecan nuts

    Step 1: Set the raw pecan in a skillet until lightly toasted

    Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

    Step 2: Finely slice the red apple

    Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

    Step 3: Make the apple cider vinaigrette by mixing all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or a mason jar.

    Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

    Step 4: Give the citrus-balsamic vinaigrette a good stir.

    massage kale

    Step 5: Massage kale leaves in a large mixing bowl; Then add half of the dressing to absorb the flavors.

    add the remaining od the dressing and the toasted pecans

    Step 6: Add the spinach, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and the rest of the dressing. Toss the toasted pecans on top and any other toppings.

    Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste, although not necessary.

    Hint: save two tablespoons of the dressing if you plan to grill the extra firm tofu for your meal. Add it to the skillet on medium-high heat and stir-fry for two minutes on each side until lightly brown.

    grill extra firm tofu with a tablespoon of balsamic vinaigrette

    💡Expert tips

    The key to balance in a salad dressing is to keep the oil-vinegar proportions 3 to 1. If you don't have one of the suggested kinds of vinegar, you can double the quantity of the one you have.

    Massage the kale: To soften the leaves and reduce bitterness, give your kale a good massage before adding the other ingredients. This breaks down the tough fibers, making the kale more tender and palatable.

    Balance the dressing: The key to a great dressing is the balance between sweet and tangy. Start with the recommended maple syrup and balsamic vinegar, then adjust according to your taste. If it's too tart, add more maple syrup; splash more vinegar if it’s too sweet.

    Let it marinate: After dressing the salad, sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This marinating time allows the kale to absorb the flavors of the dressing, making the salad even more flavorful.

    Toast the nuts: If you're adding nuts for extra crunch, toasting them beforehand can enhance their flavor and add a delightful aroma to your salad. Just a few minutes in a dry pan or a preheated oven, until they're golden brown, is all it takes.

    Customize with seasonal ingredients: While the recipe provides a fantastic base, don't hesitate to add or substitute ingredients based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Fresh fruits, other leafy greens, or different types of nuts and seeds can all make great additions, keeping the salad exciting and new each time you make it.

    🧐 How to Massage Kale

    1. Prep the Kale: Start by washing your kale leaves thoroughly. Then, strip the leaves from the thick stems. You can do this by holding the stem with one hand and sliding your other hand down the stem to remove the leaves. Give the leaves a rough chop if you like smaller pieces.
    2. Add Some Oil or Dressing: Place the kale leaves in a large bowl. Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil (or your preferred dressing) over the kale. You don't need much—just enough to lightly coat the leaves.
    3. Get Hands-On: Now, roll up your sleeves and get in there with your hands! Gently but firmly massage the kale, rubbing the leaves between your fingers. Think of it like you’re giving the kale a good, relaxing massage.
    4. Massage Until Tender: Continue massaging for about 2 to 5 minutes until the kale becomes softer and deeper green. It should decrease in volume by about half and will feel more tender to the touch.
    5. Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste. If the kale is still too bitter for your liking, you can continue to massage it a bit more. You can also add a tiny sprinkle of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to help further break down the fibers and add flavor.
    6. Final Touches: Once the kale is nicely massaged and tender, it can be used in your salad or dish. You can now add other salad ingredients and toss it all together.

    And voila! You now have perfectly massaged kale that’s tender, easier to chew, and ready to soak up all the delicious flavors of your dressing. Enjoy your upgraded, super-satisfying kale salad! 🥗✨

    How to Serve Your Massaged Kale Salad 🥗✨

    1. Stuffed Pita Pockets: Take your kale salad on the go by stuffing it into whole-grain pita pockets. Add a generous dollop of hummus and some sliced avocado for extra creaminess. It’s a perfect, portable, satisfying, and super nutritious lunch!
    2. Buddha Bowl Base: Use your massaged kale salad as the vibrant base of a Buddha Bowl—pile on roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, chickpeas, and a colorful array of veggies. Drizzle with a tahini dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nourishing and visually stunning meal.
    3. Wrap It Up: Lay out a large, soft tortilla or a sheet of nori (seaweed), and place a generous serving of your kale salad down the middle. Add marinated tofu or tempeh, pickled veggies, and a sriracha or vegan mayo drizzle. Roll it up tight for a crunchy, flavorful, handheld delight—a perfect twist for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner.

    📖 Variations

    • Spicy - add cayenne pepper to the dressing to imbue heat into the vinaigrette, red chili flakes, or more freshly ground pepper.
    • Extra flavor - add a slice of finely chopped red onion or shallot to the dressing, just like we do on our go-to homemade vinaigrette.
    • Deluxe - add avocado slices, gluten-free croutons, or crispy onions.
    • More antioxidants - add freshly shredded avocado, flax, sesame, or sunflower seeds.
    • Orange balsamic dressing - use the juice of half an orange instead of lemon.
    • Basil balsamic vinaigrette - add a teaspoon of dried basil or vegan basil pesto.
    • Creamy Tahini Dressing: Swap out the olive oil for tahini to give your salad a creamy, nutty twist. Just blend tahini with lemon juice, a touch of maple syrup, and a splash of water until you reach your desired consistency, and you'll have a rich and flavorful dressing that pairs beautifully with the vibrant greens in this salad. Check out our tahini dressing recipe for the details.

    To make this crunch kale salad nut-free, avoid adding pecan nuts or any other nuts to your salad bowl.

    🥡 Storage

    This fall kale salad is best consumed fresh since the kale and spinach will wilt after coming in contact with the maple mustard dressing.

    Also, the toasted pecans will become mushy after a couple of hours.

    Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

    Store this maple balsamic vinaigrette recipe leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than two days.

    The maple vinaigrette ingredients and salad recipes generally don't stand up well to freezing.

    🕒 Make It in Advance

    Prepping for a busy week or entertaining guests? You can make this kale salad in advance! Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge after massaging the kale and mixing it with the other ingredients (not the vinaigrette).

    This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the kale will continue to tenderize slightly as it rests. Before you're ready to serve, toss the dressing and those crunchy pecan nuts. This ensures they stay crisp and add that perfect textural contrast to your tender, flavorful salad. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a stress-free, delicious, and nutritious meal!

    This salad is great to prep ahead for your Fall Holidays, Thanksgiving, or Christmas Holidays.

    Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

    🥬 More kale recipes

    Kale is a big deal; it is considered a superfood, given its vast benefits, so we try to use this friend in as many recipes as possible, such as our simple green juice, post-workout smoothie, and making crispy kale as a healthy snack.

    We even make kale pesto or a strawberry dressing to toss into our pasta, vegan poke bowls, or tofu scramble.

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    If you try this salad, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo #ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!

    🎥 Video

    📋 Recipe

    Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

    Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

    Author: Gustavo De Obaldia
    Fall is the perfect time to enjoy leafy green salads packed with seasonal vegetables. This kale crunch salad recipe is one of my favorites – it's easy to make, flavorful, and healthy. The recipe calls for crunchy apples, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
    4.9 from 26 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Healthy, Holidays
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 342 kcal

    Equipment

    Kitchen Ceramic Knife Set.
    (affiliate link)
    Ceramic knives (affiliate link)
    yellow lemon press.
    (affiliate link)
    Lemon press (affiliate link)
    Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Nonstick 2-Piece 9-Inch and 11-Inch Skillet Set - Black And Silver.
    (affiliate link)
    Skillet (affiliate link)

    Ingredients
     
     

    For the Apple Mustard Dressing yields ½ cup

    • 3 tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juiced, about half lime
    • 1 tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup
    • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
    • ½ apple cider vinegar
    • ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

    For the Kale Salad

    • 4 cups kale roughly chopped , stripped thick stems
    • 2 cups baby spinach
    • 1 red apple cored and sliced
    • ½ cup pecans toasted, or almonds, walnuts
    • ½ cup cranberries dried, cherries, or other chopped dried fruit

    Optional Add-Ins:

    • 4 slices extra-firm tofu stir-fried in 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette. 5 mins cook, 2 on each side
    • ½ cup pepitas pumpkin seeds
    • ¼ cup vegan parmesan cheese
    • sesame seeds white
    • lettuce for extra crunch
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Directions
     

    • Toast the pecans: in medium heat for a couple of minutes until fragrant; remove from heat.
    • Make the salad dressing: in a small bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste.
    • Place the kale in a serving bowl and massage the kale to make it tender, then add the spinach and pour over the dressing. Let the salad sit for a few minutes, then toss in the toasted pecans and cranberries and any other add ins you like. Serve.
    • Optional stir-fry tofu: if adding tofu to your salad. Cut your firm tofu into large slices, then add one tablespoon of dressing into a skillet on medium-high heat for each tofu slice. Stir fry on each side for 2 ½ minutes, a total time 5 of minutes.

    Video

    Notes

    The Apple Mustard Dressing yields ½ cup.
    Tofu is included in Nutritional Card values.
    If you don't include the Tofu, the Nutrition Calculations change as follows:
    Total calories (per serving):
    295 calories
    29 grams carbohydrates 
    4 grams protein
    If following a raw diet, just skip toasting the pecan nuts.

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gSodium: 290mgPotassium: 581mgFiber: 6gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 8136IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 233mgIron: 3mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram and Hashtag it #ourplantbasedworld so we can see what's cooking!!

    Nutritional Disclaimer

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.

    Affiliate Disclaimer

    Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.

    gustavo de obaldia headshot.
    Gustavo De Obaldia
    Website |  + postsBio

    As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.85 from 26 votes (14 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Amy

      August 13, 2022 at 2:06 pm

      5 stars
      Totally delicious salad! We are going to use the dressing over and over because it's so versatile!

      Reply
    2. Gina Abernathy

      August 13, 2022 at 12:45 pm

      5 stars
      You had me at kale.. Fall is around the corner and that means planting more kale in the garden. Always grow it alongside the turnips and collards.

      Reply
    3. Andrea

      August 13, 2022 at 12:14 pm

      5 stars
      What a fabulous looking and sounding salad. My family would love this.

      Reply
    4. Ieva

      August 13, 2022 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      The BEST! Honestly, kale is one of my least favourite vegetables, but you guys made it very nice indeed! I loved the combo of balsamic and Dijon in the dressing! And wow, cranberries in a salad are my new favourite thing!

      Reply
      • Gus

        August 13, 2022 at 12:08 pm

        Hey Ieva, thank you very much for your review. It makes us really happy that we elevated Kale although it is not your favorite. IT is all about having the right dressing and combining it with tasty ingredients! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jessie

      August 13, 2022 at 11:26 am

      5 stars
      This salad is so perfect for fall! Love that the dressing is so simple to throw together but packs so much flavor - it makes it feel really fancy even though it comes together so quickly!

      Reply
    6. Katie

      August 12, 2022 at 12:14 pm

      5 stars
      love this kale salad! I've been trying to find more balsamic dressing recipes, and this one is absolutely incredible! Super easy to make, and the perfect healthy lunch!

      Reply
    7. Nancy

      August 11, 2022 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      The maple blassamic dressing was really tasty. Great salad!

      Reply
    8. Amy

      August 09, 2022 at 11:01 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a fantastic salad! The dressing is so flavorful and we love the sweetness from the maple. So yummy!

      Reply
      • Gus

        August 10, 2022 at 5:46 am

        Hi Amy, we are glad you enjoyed this salad. Maple gives it a deliciously sweet note that, combined with the dijon mustard and balsamic, is hard to resist!

        Reply
    9. Claudia Lamascolo

      August 09, 2022 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      A great addition to my diet and salads as this is different and I am tired of the same old thing cant wait to try this

      Reply
    10. Shadi Hasanzade

      August 09, 2022 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      It looks so delicious and easy!This is such an easy and delicious recipe, I cannot wait to make it again!

      Reply
    11. Mahy

      August 09, 2022 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      One of my favorite salads! I love using kale every time I can, so this recipe is perfect!

      Reply
    12. Jacqueline Meldrum

      August 09, 2022 at 5:58 pm

      5 stars
      You are so right. Kale needs to be massaged to soften it and I love that dressing. Just yum!

      Reply
      • Gus

        August 09, 2022 at 7:13 pm

        Totally! It makes a big difference in texture and also makes it able to absorb all those maple dressing flavors!

        Reply

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