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Kale Salad With Pecan Vinaigrette

4.8

(38)

Kale Salad With Pecan Vinaigrette recipe
Photograph by Emma Fishman, Food styling by Susie Theodorou, Prop styling by Sophie Leng

This dressing checks all the boxes: It’s nutty, salty, savory, and just sweet enough, with a hefty texture that holds its own against sturdy kale. Make it ahead of time and dress your salad before you put the finishing touches on your Thanksgiving meal; the salad should sit for a few minutes before serving to ensure the kale is tender. If you don’t have a food processor, you can chop your ingredients by hand—the finished dressing won’t be as creamy, but it will still taste great.

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What you’ll need

Recipe information

  • Yield

    8 Servings

Ingredients

1½

cups pecans

2

garlic cloves, finely grated

½

cup extra-virgin olive oil

2

Tbsp. drained capers

1

Tbsp. honey

⅓

cup apple cider vinegar

Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

2

large bunches Tuscan kale, ribs and stems removed, leaves thinly sliced

1

bunch radishes, trimmed, thinly sliced

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°. Toast pecans on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing halfway through, until slightly darkened and fragrant, 8–10 minutes. Let cool.

    Step 2

    Transfer a handful of pecans to a cutting board and coarsely chop; set aside for serving.

    Step 3

    Pulse garlic, oil, capers, honey, and remaining pecans in a food processor until nuts are in small pieces. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in vinegar; season dressing with salt and pepper.

    Step 4

    Add kale and radishes to bowl with dressing; toss to coat. Taste salad and season with more salt and pepper. Top with reserved chopped pecans.

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Reviews (38)

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  • Very good. I found the proportions of vinegar and oil to be correct. Also the salad tasted better after several hours of marinating in the dressing.

    • jsbjk

    • Winnetka, IL

    • 1/1/2024

  • Like everyone else, had to add a bit more olive oil to the dressing, otherwise followed the recipe exactly. A winner, really delicious.

    • Jane

    • Hamden, CT

    • 6/20/2023

  • I made the dressing for a spring greens and arugula salad. Subbed scallions for the radishes. OUTSTANDING!

    • Anonymous

    • Salem, OR

    • 1/5/2023

  • New favorite salad, even for my salad hating son! Yum!

    • Anonymous

    • Seattle, WA

    • 12/3/2021

  • The most delicious kale salad recipe.

    • Anonymous

    • New York, NY

    • 11/29/2021

  • This is a delicious salad that I will definitely make again. Holds up good for leftovers also.

    • Stephanie

    • Richmond,VA

    • 11/27/2021

  • Awesome salad!! Had to thin out the dressing with more vinegar and olive oil. Made for thanksgiving and it was a hit, will definitely be added to our regular rotation!

    • Anonymous

    • Columbus, OH

    • 11/26/2021