Prepare to fall in love with this incredible kale and Brussels sprouts salad! It’s a vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly quick recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Featuring crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, creamy goat cheese, and an irresistible homemade maple vinaigrette dressing, this salad comes together in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for a healthy weeknight meal or an impressive side dish.

Raw kale and thinly shredded Brussels sprouts are a match made in culinary heaven, and this salad truly showcases their harmonious blend. The satisfying crispness of the Brussels sprouts and apples creates a delightful contrast with the tender, massaged kale, while the creamy goat cheese adds a luxurious richness that perfectly ties all the textures and flavors together. To elevate this culinary experience even further, an easy-to-make, homemade maple dressing provides a sweet and tangy balance that complements every single ingredient. One bite, and you’ll understand why this salad is so utterly addictive!

I’m particularly fond of salads that master the art of mixing sweet and tart elements, especially when autumn arrives and fresh, local apples are abundant. Beyond this recipe, my apple arugula salad is another beloved option I turn to when I’m looking for delicious ways to incorporate seasonal fall apples into my meals. The versatility of these ingredients allows for endless creative possibilities in the kitchen.

If you share my enthusiasm for kale salads, you absolutely must explore some of my other favorite creations. Don’t miss out on my refreshing healthy broccoli kale salad, the comforting butternut squash kale salad, and the nutrient-packed superfood salad. And for those simply seeking more innovative ways to enjoy kale beyond salads, my hearty one-pot chicken and kale soup or the vibrant dairy-free kale pesto are equally delicious and wholesome options that add a burst of flavor and nutrition to any meal!

Why You’ll Love This Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease, flavor, and wellness. Here’s why this Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

• Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You’ll only need 5 core ingredients for the salad and another 5 for the dressing. This simplicity doesn’t compromise on flavor but ensures a nutritious meal made with fresh, real food.
• Flavorful and Easy Homemade Dressing: Forget store-bought dressings! Our maple vinaigrette is incredibly easy to whip up and far surpasses anything you can find on supermarket shelves. Its sweet and tangy profile perfectly complements the robust greens and other ingredients, and you’ll find yourself making it on repeat for all your salads.
• Dietary Needs Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. With minor adjustments, it can effortlessly be made dairy-free by omitting the goat cheese or nut-free by skipping the walnuts, making it adaptable for various dietary preferences and allergies.
• Great for Making Ahead: Planning is easy with this salad. It can be prepared in advance, with components stored separately, and it holds up beautifully in the fridge for a few days. This makes it an ideal option for meal prep or bringing to a potluck.
• Packed with Nutrients: Kale and Brussels sprouts are superfoods, loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Combined with apples and walnuts, this salad is a nutritional powerhouse, contributing to your overall health and well-being.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick, healthy lunch, a vibrant side dish for dinner, or a festive addition to your holiday spread, this salad is versatile enough to fit seamlessly into any meal plan or special event.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vibrant Salad

Creating an outstanding salad starts with choosing the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selection:

• Kale: For this recipe, I highly recommend using curly kale. Its ruffled leaves hold the dressing beautifully and provide a fantastic texture. However, Lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale) can also be used; just ensure it’s thinly sliced after removing the tough stems.
• Shredded Brussels Sprouts: To save time and effort, I often opt for pre-shredded Brussels sprouts available in bags at most grocery stores. If you prefer to prepare them fresh, buy whole Brussels sprouts and use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice them as thinly as possible. The thinner they are, the better they’ll integrate into the salad.
• Apple: The apple adds a crucial element of sweetness and crunch. My personal favorites are sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. If you lean towards a more tart flavor profile, a Granny Smith apple would be an excellent choice.
• Goat Cheese: You’ll want crumbled goat cheese for that creamy, tangy burst in every bite. You can purchase it pre-crumbled for convenience, or buy a log of goat cheese and crumble it yourself.
• Walnuts: These provide a wonderful crunch and a dose of healthy fats. Consider toasting them lightly for an enhanced nutty flavor, which truly elevates the salad. (See expert tips below for instructions).

For the Maple Vinaigrette Dressing:

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: As the base of the dressing, a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil is essential for flavor and healthy fats.
• Fresh Orange Juice: This adds a bright, citrusy note that perfectly complements the maple. Lemon juice is a fantastic alternative if orange isn’t available.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Contributes a delightful tang and depth to the dressing.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness, balancing the acidity of the vinegar and citrus. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
• Fine Sea Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors in the dressing. Adjust to taste.

Clean food tips: When it comes to produce, apples and kale are frequently listed on the EWG’s Dirty Dozen, indicating high pesticide levels, so I strongly recommend choosing organic varieties for these. While Brussels sprouts aren’t typically found on the Dirty Dozen, they also don’t make the Clean Fifteen, so opting for organic Brussels sprouts is also a good practice for minimizing chemical exposure. Additionally, ensure you are using a quality extra-virgin olive oil for both flavor and health benefits.

A complete list of ingredients and precise amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Customizing Your Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad

This salad is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous substitutions and variations to suit your taste or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

To make this salad dairy-free, simply omit the goat cheese. You can also try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or use a plant-based feta alternative if desired.

Don’t like goat cheese? No problem! Swap it for crumbled feta cheese for a saltier, tangy profile, or opt for shredded Parmesan for a more savory, umami flavor. Blue cheese crumbles also work beautifully if you enjoy a stronger, pungent cheese.

For more color and a festive touch, especially during the holidays, consider adding a sprinkle of vibrant pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries (craisins). Their sweet-tart burst is a delightful addition.

Transform this into a kale, Brussels sprouts, and pear salad by replacing the apple with a thinly sliced fresh pear. Bosc or Anjou pears work particularly well.

If walnuts aren’t your preference, feel free to swap them for other nuts like toasted pecans, sliced almonds, or even candied walnuts for extra sweetness. Looking for a completely nut-free salad? Simply skip the nuts altogether and add some roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch instead.

Add protein for a main dish: Make this salad a more substantial meal by tossing in some grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or a hard-boiled egg.

Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.

How to Prepare This Easy Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Creating this delicious and healthy salad is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time:

Step 1: Massage the Kale. Begin by tearing the kale leaves from their thick, fibrous stems. Add the torn leaves to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil over the kale. Using your clean hands, gently but firmly massage the leaves for 1-2 minutes. This crucial step softens the kale, breaks down its tough fibers, reduces bitterness, and makes it easier to chew and digest. Ensure the olive oil is evenly distributed across all the leaves.

Step 2: Prepare the Maple Vinaigrette. In a mason jar or small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: extra-virgin olive oil, fresh orange or lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, and fine sea salt. If using a mason jar, secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. If using a bowl, whisk the ingredients together until smooth. This easy homemade dressing is the secret to the salad’s incredible flavor!

Step 3: Combine Greens and Dressing. Add the shredded or shaved Brussels sprouts to the bowl with the massaged kale. Pour the freshly made maple vinaigrette over the greens. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring that the kale and Brussels sprouts are completely and evenly coated with the dressing. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve. Finally, add the chopped apple, crumbled goat cheese, and walnuts to the bowl. Toss these toppings lightly with the dressed kale and Brussels sprouts. For the best flavor, I highly recommend letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the flavors to truly meld and the greens to slightly soften further, creating a more cohesive and delicious salad. Serve and enjoy this incredibly fresh and vibrant dish!

Expert Tips & Notes for the Best Kale & Brussels Sprouts Salad

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in this salad is easy with a few insider tips:

While I often opt for pre-shredded/shaved Brussels sprouts for convenience, slicing them yourself offers superior freshness and control over thickness. If you choose to slice whole Brussels sprouts, be sure to slice them extremely thin. They should resemble a fine slaw rather than thick chunks, which ensures they are tender enough to enjoy raw.

When selecting whole Brussels sprouts, look for ones that are hard and firm to the touch with tightly closed leaves. These characteristics indicate freshness and will also make them much easier to slice thinly. Avoid any that feel soft or have yellowing leaves.

Don’t rush it! Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving is a game-changer. This crucial resting time allows the flavors of the dressing to meld beautifully with the greens and other ingredients, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious salad experience. It also allows the kale and Brussels sprouts to slightly tenderize.

Massaging the kale first is not just a suggestion, it’s a vital step. This process helps to soften the tough fibers of the kale, making it more tender, less bitter, and significantly easier to digest. It transforms kale from a chewy leaf into a delightful base for your salad.

For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, take a few minutes to roast your walnuts. Place the walnuts on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and roast them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they become fragrant. Be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning, as nuts can toast quickly.

For meal prepping, store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients. Combine the greens and dressing about 30 minutes before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Health Benefits of This Vibrant Salad

This Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad isn’t just delicious; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition, offering numerous benefits that contribute to your overall well-being:

• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Both kale and Brussels sprouts are exceptionally high in Vitamin K, essential for bone health and blood clotting, and Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function. They also provide significant amounts of Vitamin A, folate, and various B vitamins.
• Fiber-Packed for Digestive Health: The generous amount of fiber from kale, Brussels sprouts, and apples aids in healthy digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Fiber also contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can support weight management.
• Antioxidant Rich: Kale and Brussels sprouts are brimming with antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
• Healthy Fats from Walnuts: Walnuts are an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Many ingredients in this salad, especially the cruciferous vegetables like kale and Brussels sprouts, possess strong anti-inflammatory compounds that can help combat inflammation, a root cause of many health issues.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

This versatile Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad can be enjoyed in many ways, making it suitable for various meals and occasions:

• As a Light Lunch: Enjoy a generous portion of this salad on its own for a satisfying and healthy midday meal.
• Perfect Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with a wide range of main courses. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, roasted pork loin, or a simple steak for a balanced and flavorful meal.
• Holiday or Potluck Favorite: The vibrant colors and unique flavor profile make it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or for bringing to potlucks where it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Boost with Protein: For a more filling main course, consider adding cooked protein such as shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy roasted chickpeas, pan-seared tofu, or even some quinoa to the salad.
• Add Warmth: In colder months, you can lightly roast the Brussels sprouts and kale before adding them to the salad for a slightly warmer, cozier twist.

Recipe FAQs for Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Here are answers to some common questions about making and storing this delicious salad:

Conclusion

This Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Vinaigrette is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and healthy ingredients that comes together effortlessly. With its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory, complemented by delightful textures, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a vibrant addition to your holiday table, or a healthy make-ahead option, this salad delivers on all fronts. Give it a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy these incredible superfoods!