I find I normally have recipes I reserve for fall/winter and recipes I use for spring/summer.
Sure, I try to cook with seasonal ingredients, but mostly find I crave heartier stews, soups, and casseroles in the colder months and lighter salads and bbq meals when the weather turns warmer. But sometimes, you just need some green to brighten up a dreary winter day. And a kale based salad is a hearty way to satisfy your cold weather cravings AND get your 7 servings of fruit and veggies in your belly.
This is no ordinary salad – loaded with cheese, almonds, dates, and avocado – it’s a party in your mouth! With all these fancy shmancy ingredients, a simple dressing of lemon juice and olive oil is all that is needed.
Arla Dofino generously gifted us with the havarti cheese used in this recipe. I love the subtle creaminess it adds and anything with cheese in it is a winner in my books!
Arla Dolfino has generously offered to donate a prize pack for one lucky reader that features a beautiful cheese board and coupons for Arla Dolfing cheese. Simply leave a comment on this post telling us your favourite way to eat cheese and a winner will be chosen at random.
Turn this salad into a main with a piece of seared salmon or a can of chickpeas, and you have a delicious lunch or light dinner. Unless of course you would prefer to just throw in some extra cheese – by all means I wouldn’t object!
Dara
Kale and Apple Salad with Dates, Almonds, Avocado, and Havarti
Serves | 2 as a main, 4 as a side |
Dietary | Vegetarian |
Meal type | Main Dish, Salad, Side Dish |
Ingredients
- 1 large head of kale (chopped)
- 1 apple (sliced)
- 1/2 cup havarti cheese (cubed)
- 1/3 cup almonds (chopped)
- 1/3 cup dates (pitted and chopped)
- 1 small avocados (peeled, pitted, and chopped)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Note
This salad is great as a starter or side and can also be turned into a main course with the addition of some chickpeas, grilled salmon, or chicken. It also holds up well as leftovers for the next day.
Directions
1. | Place kale in a large bowl and pour lemon juice and olive oil over top. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat and let stand while you prepare the remaining ingredients. |
2. | Add dates, avocado, cheese, and almonds and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. |
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Jessica says
Yum! Love the simplicity of this!
Christina D says
I like to have avocado, cheese on a cracker. Mmmm
vicky weiss says
My favourite way to eat cheese is on a cheese board – I like my cheese unadorned. Not even on a cracker.
I simply want to pop it into my mouth and taste the pure goodness.
ps what a great contest
Caitlin says
The only wrong way to eat cheese is to not eat it at all! Cheesey dips are my guilty pleasure 🙂
Caitlin says
The only wrong way to eat cheese is to not eat it at all! Cheesy dips are my guilty pleasure 🙂
Heather G says
Yummo! I love the simplicity of comfort food, and a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich is a classic way to enjoy cheese!
Jenn says
I love cheese all ways and in all meals! Put cheese on it and the kids will eat anything! :).
Laura says
Cheese is best oozing out of a grilled cheese sandwich!
Joan | HappyForks.com says
Oil and lemon juice are great in salad like this because they prevent darkening fruits such as avocado and apple, making salad looks healthy even on the second day. This salad is good to boost your immune system, especially in winter