Peanut Free Kale & Apple Salad with Cranberries
Crisp apple slices, chewy cranberries, and tender massaged kale come together in a salad that feels genuinely fresh and a little bit special. The trick here is taking the time to work the salt into the raw kale with your hands — it softens the leaves dramatically and pulls out any bitterness, turning what can be a tough green into something silky and satisfying. A honey-ginger vinegar dressing ties everything together with a bright, lightly sweet tang that plays beautifully off the tart cranberries and sharp red onion. Toasted coconut flakes on top add a subtle crunch and a hint of richness that makes the whole bowl feel more complete. Every ingredient in this recipe is naturally free from peanuts and peanut derivatives, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden oils sneaking into your dressing. It's the kind of salad that works as a light lunch on its own or as a vibrant side next to something heartier — and it comes together with almost no effort at all.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 1 large bunch curly or lacinato kale (about 8 oz), stems removed, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 medium apple (such as honeycrisp or fuji), cored and thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or sweetened with apple juice only, no added sugar)
- ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- 2 tbsp toasted coconut flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the torn kale leaves in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp fine sea salt. Using clean hands, massage the kale firmly for 1–2 minutes, squeezing and working the leaves until they darken, soften noticeably, and reduce in volume by about half.
- 2
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!