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!
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.