Cracker Barrel Kale Salad Recipe | Maple Vinaigrette

This Cracker Barrel Kale Salad Recipe with Brussels Sprouts and Maple Vinaigrette is a delicious healthy salad that you want to add to your recipe rotation! It's similar to the salad you love at Cracker Barrel restaurants, with fresh kale, crunchy pecans, sweet cranberries, and a sweet maple vinaigrette dressing. It's easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a perfect side dish (or main course!) that is both healthy and satisfying. This may just turn in to your new favorite salad!

This Cracker Barrel Sprouts n' Kale Salad Recipe:

• makes the perfect tasty, fresh, healthy side or light meal.
• is an easy recipe that will be on your table in minutes.
• is a delicious weeknight meal idea.
• includes a variety of very healthy ingredients.
• uses basic ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.
• includes your own salad dressing that has real maple syrup and other healthy ingredients.

Here's a brief overview of the health benefits of each ingredient in the Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad:. It is packed with cruciferous vegetables making it an incredibly nutritious salad.

1. Kale: Curly kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium. It is also rich in antioxidants and fiber, which support digestive health and may help lower cholesterol levels. Try our kale cooler juice recipe for a delicious and easy way to include more kale in your diet.
2. Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable known for their high content of vitamins C and K, as well as folate and fiber. They contain compounds called glucosinolates, which have been linked to reduced inflammation and may help protect against certain types of cancer.
3. Dried Cranberries: Sweet craisins are a good source of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and vitamin C, which help boost the immune system and protect against oxidative stress. They also provide dietary fiber, which supports digestive health.
4. Pecans: Pecans are nutrient-rich nuts that are high in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. They also contain protein, fiber, and essential minerals like manganese and zinc.
5. Maple dressing: The vinaigrette ingredients include extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats and has been associated with various health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease. Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness and contains antioxidants and minerals like manganese and zinc.

Overall, this salad is a nutrient-packed powerhouse that provides a wide range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making it a great addition to any meal!

1. Prepare the Greens: Start by removing the stems from the kale and chopping the leaves. Place the kale in a large mixing bowl and drizzle it with a bit of lemon juice and olive oil. Using your hands, gently massage the kale for a few minutes until it becomes slightly softened and bright green in color. This helps to tenderize the kale and improve its texture.
2. Shave the Brussels Sprouts: Remove the outer leaves of the brussels sprouts. Use a mandoline slicer, food processor, or a sharp knife to shave the Brussels sprouts into thin slices. Add the shaved Brussels sprouts to the bowl with the massaged kale.
3. Make the Maple Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust the ingredients to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad: Add the pecans and dried cranberries to the bowl with the kale and brussels sprouts. Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the salad ingredients, starting with a small amount and adding more to taste. Toss the salad gently until evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Serve: Transfer the dressed salad to a large bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavor and nourishing ingredients in Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Vinaigrette!

Here are some serving suggestions for the Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Vinaigrette:

1. As a Side Dish: Serve the salad alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, pork chops, or seared tofu for a balanced and nutritious meal. The salad's vibrant colors and flavors complement a variety of main dishes. This kale and Brussels sprout salad is even a great option for holiday dinners!
2. In a Mason Jar Salad: Layer the salad ingredients in individual mason jars for a convenient grab-and-go lunch option. Start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by the kale, Brussels sprouts, pecans, and cranberries. Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
3. With Grilled Vegetables: Serve the salad alongside grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a delicious vegetarian meal. The combination of grilled and fresh ingredients adds depth of flavor and texture to the dish.
4. As a Light Lunch: The salad can be a main dish as a light and refreshing lunch. Add some cooked quinoa or grilled chicken for extra protein, or top it with sliced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats. Other delicious and healthy toppings include: sunflower seeds, red onions, pumpkin seeds, or even parmesan cheese or feta cheese.
5. With Crusty Bread: Serve the salad with slices of crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up any leftover dressing. The bread is the perfect addition with a satisfying crunch.
6. As a Potluck Dish: Bring the salad to potlucks, picnics, or barbecues to share with friends and family. It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and nutritious ingredients.

Yes, you can! In fact, this salad often tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy!

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the kale and Brussels sprouts may soften slightly as they marinate in the dressing, but the flavors will continue to develop over time. If you'd like to keep the salad fresh for longer, you can store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving.

Absolutely! This salad is highly adaptable and can be customized to suit your preferences. Feel free to add extra toppings such as sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, diced apples, or toasted pumpkin seeds for added flavor and texture. You can also swap out the dried cranberries for other dried fruits like raisins or apricots, or use different nuts such as walnuts or almonds. 

Yes, you can absolutely use balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar in the Maple Vinaigrette for the Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad. Balsamic vinegar is a great option and will add a slightly richer and sweeter flavor profile to the dressing. It will complement the other ingredients in the salad beautifully.

Cracker Barrel Kale Salad Recipe with Maple Vinaigrette

This Cracker Barrel Kale Salad Recipe with Brussel Sprouts and Maple Vinaigrette is a delicious healthy salad that you want to add to your recipe rotation! It's similar to the salad you love at Cracker Barrel restaurants, with fresh kale, crunchy pecans, sweet cranberries, and a sweet maple vinaigrette dressing. It's easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a perfect side dish (or main course!) that is both healthy and satisfying. This may just turn in to your new favorite salad!

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups kale stems removed and thinly sliced
• 1 cup shaved Brussels sprouts
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans chopped
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Kale and Brussels Sprouts: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced kale and shaved Brussels sprouts. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Massage the kale with clean hands for a few minutes to soften it and enhance the flavor.
• Add the Toppings: Add the dried cranberries and chopped pecans to the bowl with the kale and Brussels sprouts. Toss everything together gently to combine.
• Make the Maple Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• Dress the Salad: Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the bowl, starting with a small amount and adding more to taste. Toss the salad gently until evenly coated with the dressing.
• Serve: Transfer the dressed kale and Brussels sprouts salad to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional pecans or dried cranberries if desired. Serve immediately.

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