Massage Kale Salad with Apples, Feta Cheese, and Pecans is crunchy, sweet, and tangy. This is a simple and healthy side dish that even kids will love! Tossed with maple Dijon vinaigrette, it’s full of fall flavors.

Why We Love This Amazing Massage Kale Salad
If you ever thought your kids wouldn’t eat kale, this salad might change your mind. Massaging the kale makes it soft, mild, and easier to eat, while crunchy apples, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy pecans add sweetness, saltiness, and texture to every bite.
There is a lot to love here.
- Crunchy, creamy and perfectly balanced.
- Contains fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- Kids love it and it’s easy to customize.
- Great for preparing lunch or dinner in advance.
this Massage Kale Salad with Apples, Feta Cheese and Pecans It’s fresh, colorful, and full of feel-good ingredients. A simple maple Dijon vinaigrette ties everything together with the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. It’s a healthy side dish that goes well with any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday meals.
And the best part? It stays in place so you can prepare it ahead of time for a busy day or pack it in a lunch box for a refreshing and nutritious lunch.
ingredient Lineup:
salad:
- Kale
- apologize
- feta cheese
- pecan
For dressing:
- olive oil
- apple cider vinegar
- Dijon Mustard
- maple syrup
- fresh lemon juice
- salt and pepper
Tips for Success:
- Massage properly: The kale is done when it becomes darker, softer, and slightly shiny.
- Add apples last. If you’re preparing ahead, add the apples just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting improves the flavor. Bake at 350°F until fragrant, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Tips for kids: Let the kids help “massage” the kale! This is a fun and sensory step to help get kids excited about eating green vegetables.
Suggestions and Variations:
- Add protein: Top it with grilled chicken or chickpeas to complete a meal.
- Dairy Free: Swap out the feta cheese with avocado or your favorite plant-based cheese.
- More fruits: For added color and sweetness, add dried cranberries, sliced grapes, or pomegranate seeds.
- Dressing Boost: A sprinkle of garlic powder or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds depth.
save:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour. 2 days. Kale holds up better than most vegetables, making it a good choice for meal prepping.
- If making ahead, set dressing and apples aside until ready to serve.
Looking for more family-friendly salad recipes?
This massage kale salad is proof that healthy food can be simple yet delicious. Crunchy apples, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy pecans combine to pack flavor and texture into every bite, and the sweet and tangy dressing ties it all together. This is a great way to introduce kale to kids in a fun and accessible way. This is especially true when the kids help massage the veggies themselves. Whether you serve it with dinner, pack it for lunch, or bring it to a family gathering, this salad adds freshness and color to any table. It’s healthy, hearty, and made to be shared. This dish makes eating healthy feel easy!
Massage Kale Salad with Apples, Feta Cheese and Pecans
Massage Kale Salad with Apples, Feta Cheese, and Pecans is crunchy, sweet, and tangy. This is a simple and healthy side dish that even kids will love! Tossed with maple Dijon vinaigrette, it’s full of fall flavors.
Serving Size: 6
- 1 bunch Kale About 6 cups, stems removed and leaves finely chopped
- 1 large in size Apples, thinly sliced The Honey Crisp and Fuji here are the best.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup roasted pecans roughly chopped
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Prepare the kale: Wash, dry and remove the tough stems of the kale. Cut or tear into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl.
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Massage kale: Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt over the kale. Gently rub and squeeze the leaves with clean hands for 1 to 2 minutes, until the kale turns a darker green and slightly softens.
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To make the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, mix olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Assemble the salad: Add apples, feta cheese, and pecans to the massaged kale. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to combine.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately or let sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.