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Kale Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Apples, and Hazelnuts

This vibrant kale and Brussels sprout salad is a masterclass in texture and seasonal flavours. The base of earthy Tuscan kale and shredded sprouts is massaged with a zingy lemon and Dijon mustard dressing, which helps to soften the hardy greens while maintaining a satisfying crunch. Sweet apple matchsticks and peppery radishes provide a fresh contrast to the salty punch of aged gouda or Mimolette cheese.

As a versatile vegetarian dish, this salad works beautifully as a nutritious standalone lunch or a sophisticated side for a weekend roast. To save time, you can prepare the toasted hazelnuts and the dressing well in advance, making it an effortless option for entertaining. The combination of toasted nuts and crisp fruit ensures every bite is balanced and full of character.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Kale Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Apples, and Hazelnuts

  • 160ml hazelnuts (90g)

  • 60ml fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot (about 1 medium)

  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 450g Tuscan kale (about 2 small bunches), stemmed, leaves thinly sliced

  • 350g Brussels sprouts, trimmed, thinly sliced

  • 60g Mimolette cheese or aged gouda, grated on the large holes of a box grater (240ml )

  • 1 crisp apple, such as Pink Lady or Honeycrisp, cored, cut into matchsticks

  • 6 radishes, halved, thinly sliced

Heat oven to 177°C. Place hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast 8-10 minutes, tossing once or twice, until fragrant and skins have blistered. Bundle nuts in a kitchen towel and rub vigorously to remove skins. Spread out and let cool, then coarsely chop. Set aside.

Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice, mustard, shallot, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoons pepper in a medium bowl, then whisk in oil in a slow, steady stream. Set aside.

Mix together kale and Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Add about 3/4 of the dressing, and use your hands to massage dressing into greens. Taste and add more dressing as needed (you may not need all of it). Reserve any leftover dressing for another use.

Add cheese, apple, and half of the radishes; toss together to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl, and top with nuts and remaining radishes.

Dressing can be prepared 3 days ahead; cover and chill. Nuts can be toasted and chopped 1 day ahead; cover and keep at room temperature. Kale and Brussels sprouts can be sliced 1 day ahead; place in an airtight container and chill. Salad can be tossed together 30 minutes ahead; keep at room temperature.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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