Kale Pear Salad with apple, roasted pecans and gorgonzola cheese is loaded with sweet, tangy, creamy flavors and plenty of crunch for a nutrient-dense powerhouse meal!
This kale pear salad is the ultimate mix of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy.
Juicy pears, crisp apples, toasted pecans, and bold gorgonzola come together in every bite, all tied together with a rich balsamic vinaigrette.
The result? A vibrant, flavor-packed salad that’s both nourishing and satisfying!
Whether you enjoy it as a light main or a flavorful side, this might just be my favorite kale salad yet! It’s fresh, simple, and feels a little fancy – without any extra effort.
Why You’ll Love This Kale Pear Salad
This isn’t just another kale salad – it’s got bold flavors, plenty of nutrients, amazing texture, and simple to throw together.
The mix of sweet fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy gorgonzola makes every bite satisfying, while a tangy balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together.
One of the key steps that takes this salad from good to great? Massaging the kale. If you’ve ever found raw kale too tough or bitter, this trick changes everything!
Rubbing the leaves with lemon juice helps break down the tough fibers, making them softer, more tender, and easier to chew. It also mellows out any bitterness, allowing the fresh, vibrant flavors of the salad to shine.
Whether you serve it as a side dish or bulk it up for a main meal, this salad is an easy, nourishing way to enjoy your greens! Here are a few more reasons to love it:
- The perfect flavor combo
- Ridiculously easy
- Pairs with everything
- Surprisingly filling
- Flavor-packed leftovers
Ingredients for Kale Pear Salad
Kale: The hearty, nutrient-packed base! Massaging it with lemon juice softens the leaves and tames any bitterness. If kale isn’t your thing, try baby kale, spinach, or arugula for a milder bite.
Lemon juice: Helps break down the tough fibers in kale while adding a fresh, citrusy brightness. If you don’t have lemon juice, a splash of apple cider vinegar works too!
Pear: Adds juicy sweetness that balances the earthy kale. Bosc and Anjou pears work best since they hold their shape well.
Apple: Brings extra crunch and natural sweetness. Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples are great choices, but any crisp variety will work.
Pecans: Toasting them enhances their nutty flavor and adds a rich crunch. Walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds make great alternatives.
Gorgonzola cheese: The creamy, tangy kick that ties everything together. Not a Gorgonzola fan? Try feta, goat cheese, or even shaved Parmesan for a different flavor twist.
For the balsamic vinaigrette:
Olive oil: The base of the dressing, adding richness and balancing the acidity. Avocado oil works just as well.
Balsamic vinegar: Provides a deep, tangy-sweet flavor that compliments the pears and gorgonzola.
Garlic: A little sharpness to enhance the dressing’s flavor. Not a fan? Swap it for a pinch of garlic powder for a milder touch.
Honey: A hint of sweetness to balance the acidity. Maple syrup is a great vegan option.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together. Start with a small pinch and adjust to taste.
How to Make Kale Pear Salad
Start by massaging the kale – this step is key First, remove the tough stems from the kale leaves. You can discard them, chop them up for the salad, or save them for a smoothie.
Give the leaves a rough chop and transfer them to a large salad bowl. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the kale and use both hands to work it into the leaves. Really get in there!
The acidity in the lemon helps break down kale’s tough fibers, making it softer and easier to chew. After about 30 seconds of massaging, let the kale sit for another 10 minutes. This gives it time to absorb the lemon and further mellow out.
While the kale sits, toast the pecans in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until they’re golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them – they burn fast!
Meanwhile, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette ingredients until smooth. If you want an extra creamy dressing, blend it in a food processor or shake it in a jar until emulsified.
Shred the apple, slice the pear, and toss everything into the bowl with the kale. Drizzle with the vinaigrette, sprinkle with gorgonzola, and give it a good toss. That’s it! Your kale pear salad is ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the ingredients separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble and toss with dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Unlike most salads, kale won’t wilt quickly, making it great for meal prep. Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.
How do I keep apples and pears from browning?
Toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This helps preserve their fresh color and flavor.
Can I swap out the balsamic vinaigrette?
Of course! Try a maple Dijon dressing, apple cider vinaigrette, or a simple mix of lemon and olive oil. For a lighter, fruitier twist, swap balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar or fresh orange juice.
Recipe Adaptations & Additions
- Make it extra creamy – Add sliced avocado or a drizzle of tahini for plant-based richness.
- Boost the protein – Toss in crispy chickpeas, marinated tofu, or a scoop of cooked quinoa.
- Add more crunch – Sprinkle in pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, or crispy shallots for extra texture and flavor.
- Change up the fruit – Dried cranberries, figs, or mandarin slices add a different kind of sweetness.
- Try a different cheese – Not a gorgonzola fan? Feta, goat cheese, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a plant-based option.
- Make it heartier – Add cooked farro, wild rice, lentils, or roasted sweet potatoes to make the salad more filling.
- Give it a spicy kick – Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha into the dressing for some heat.
What to Serve with Kale Pear Salad
This salad is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, making it perfect as a side or a main dish. Pair it with something hearty for a well-rounded meal or keep it light with a simple soup or bread. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
- Crustless Quiche
- Herb and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes
- Golden Beet and Fennel Soup
Other Fresh Salad Recipes to Try
- Winter Citrus Roasted Beet Salad
- German-Style Sweet Potato Salad
- Kale and Blueberry Salad with Vegan Buttermilk Dressing
- Roasted Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad with Maple-Orange Dressing
Enjoy this hearty massaged kale salad!
Kale Pear Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 head green kale
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 Fugi apple shredded
- 1 Bosc pear thinly sliced
- 1 cup raw pecans roasted
- ½ cup gorgonzola cheese or desired amount
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette by whisking all ingredients together until the oil and vinegar do not separate and the dressing appears creamy. You can also put the ingredients in a blender and blend. Set aside.
- Remove the kale leaves from their stems and either discard the stems, chop them to add to the salad or save them for a green smoothie.
- Give the kale leaves a rough chop and put them in a large salad bowl.
- Squeeze the lemon over the leaves (about 1 tablespoons of lemon juice).
- Massage the kale leaves with both of your hands for 30 seconds or so. Allow kale leaves to sit in the lemon juice 10 minutes. This helps soften the leaves and break down some of the tough fiber.
- While the kale leaves are sitting, peel the apple and shred it using a box grater. Slice the pear.
- Spread the pecans on out on a cookie sheet and roast them at 350 degrees F for 5 to 10 minutes until they get some color and they are fragrant. Careful not to leave them unattended as they burn easily!
- Add the shredded apple, sliced pear and roasted pecans to the salad bowl with the kale leaves. Toss the salad with desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette and sprinkle with feta!
Nutrition
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What a tasty kale salad! I can’t wait to make this!!
I really must try making kale salads more often. I love the ingredients you’ve included here! Is there any better combination than pear + gorgonzola?
I’m always looking for new ways to eat kale – this looks fantastic!
Oooooh this salad’s got it going on!
“scrumtrulescent”
^^Best word ever. Maybe best reserved for burritos, but you just added some of my favorite salad accompaniments to this salad, so I can’t say this one isn’t “scrumtrulescent” in it’s own right. 🙂
lady I would take the kale salad over the burrito any day!!! And that is no lie!!! This looks so scrumptious. if you ever want to swap kale recipes let me know. I’ve got a bunch up my sleeve!
Such a gorgeous, flavorful salad! I love all the ingredients you added and that tasty sounding vinaigrette! Great recipe, Julia.
You just might get me to try raw kale! I’ve been reading about the whole massaging kale thing…I think you sold me. PS. I bought a head of butter lettuce at the farmers market this weekend and thought of those yummy tacos!
Great blend. Would love to try that salad. You can’t go wrong with kale.
OK so yes, I would definitely choose a melty, cheesy burrito over kale most days… but I do love me some kale and when it’s in this salad? DELICIOUS.1
Your salad looks delicious! (And I have a pair of jeans that mysteriously shrunk too..lol). Thanks for featuring our Tuscan Kale Salad too!
Ha ha…love the post! The salad looks delicious. I have to try out Kale…your recipes are tempting me:-)