Warm Kale, Apple & Walnut Salad

Because winter salads deserve hugs too.

Let’s be honest: the word “salad” in winter usually gets about as much enthusiasm as a dentist appointment. But this is not that kind of salad.

This is a warm, crunchy, slightly sweet, slightly tangy situation that hits all the right notes — like a jazz trio for your tastebuds. It’s fast, full of goodness, and makes kale taste like something you’d actually choose on purpose. Imagine that.

🛒 Ingredients for One

1 cup chopped kale (remove the tough stems)
½ apple, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Pink Lady work well)
1 tbsp crushed walnuts
1 tsp olive oil
A dash of apple cider vinegar
Salt & pepper to taste

🥬 Instructions

Give your kale a massage
- Yep, you heard me. Add the olive oil and a pinch of salt to your chopped kale.
- Rub it between your fingers for 30 seconds to soften it up. It takes the edge off the bitterness and makes you feel vaguely like a fancy food person.
Warm it all up
- Toss the kale and sliced apple into a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Sauté for about 1 minute, just enough to warm everything and soften the apple a little.
Finish with flair
- Plate it up, sprinkle over the walnuts, and add a dash of apple cider vinegar.
- Season with a bit of cracked pepper. Eat immediately.

💚 Why Your Winter Self Will Love It

Kale is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and surprisingly satisfying when lightly cooked.
Walnuts = brain-boosting, zinc-rich crunch.
Apples bring in natural sweetness and fibre — and paired with cider vinegar, they’re a gut-friendly duo.
Warm, quick, and requires basically no brainpower.

It’s one of those 10-minute meals that make you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if your laundry pile disagrees.

🔄 Switch It Up

No kale? Use baby spinach or shredded silverbeet.
No walnuts? Pecans or sunflower seeds totally work.
Want to make it a meal? Add a poached egg or crumble over a bit of feta or goat cheese.

Also great as a side dish with leftover roast chicken or even a tin of tuna (yes, we’ve tested it).

🥗 Solo Salad, Sorted

This warm kale salad is a quiet little health bomb that looks like it came out of a rustic café. Except it didn’t. It came from your kitchen, with you standing there in socks and a hoodie. Heroic.

And because it’s made for one, there’s zero chance of soggy leftover salad the next day. Winning.

Want more fast, nutrient-rich meals for cold nights?
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