Bourbon Cherry Kale Salad with Almond Oat Granola

A delicious savory salad that combines kale, red cabbage, brussels sprouts, and fresh sweet cherries tossed in a bourbon cherry balsamic dressing. Then we’ll add a simple almond, oat, sunflower seed granola for a little crunch and the perfect finish to this Bourbon Cherry Kale Salad!

This is a post sponsored by The Northwest Cherry Growers. The text and opinions are all mine.

Who’s excited that it’s cherry season?!! I know that I am! This Bourbon Cherry Kale Salad with Almond Oat Granola might be my favorite salad that I’ve ever made. Yup. Ever. I am SO excited to share this recipe with you today. BUT before we dive into this salad, I want to take a minute to ask you how you’re doing. Are you doing ok? I know things are a bit chaotic and life, is well… different right now.

It’s hard. I just want you to know that I’m thinking of you. I hear you and I empathize with you. I keep reminding myself that this too, shall pass. It may seem like things will never go back to “normal” but my friends, it will. One thing that I’ve noticed I’ve been finding comfort in during this time in quarantine is baking. Lots of desserts, and quite honestly, although it has been delicious, I think my body is just craving a big ol’ salad.

I find if I eat too much sugar I get sugar fatigued, so I just needed to hit the reset button and I find that fresh produce is always the answer. Good, healthy food not only offers me a sense of serenity, but also gives me a sense of well-being, aiding in both my physical and mental health.

Now, that doesn’t mean I’m not indulging in any sweets at all, because this gal has got a sweet tooth for sure! So today we’re appeasing our sugar-loving selves with nature’s candy, cherries! Because they are sweet, but not too sweet. This Bourbon Cherry Kale Salad could not be more perfect for what my body is telling me it needs right now. And no, it’s not the bourbon, lol.

We’ll actually be simmering our cherries in the bourbon for the most delectable bourbon cherry balsamic dressing. I love using bourbon in my recipes as it provides such a deeper, rich flavor- like in my Kale and Baby Portabella Grilled Cheese with Bourbon Pear Jam or my Maple Sriracha Cauliflower recipes!

When I was deciding what to make with my Northwest Cherries, of course my mind immediately jumped to dessert. But it was just time. Time for a salad. In fact, I made two dessert recipes with my Northwest Cherries prior to making the decision that this salad is what I thought you would also enjoy the most.

I love adding fruit to my savory salad recipes so much. It also allows the cherries to shine more, and we all know that cherries deserve the spotlight. Ok, so are you ready to dive in? You with me?!

In this Bourbon Cherry Kale Salad with Almond Oat Granola I’ve combined lacinato kale, Northwest Cherries, shredded brussels sprouts, purple cabbage, and microgreens, then tossed in a simple, savory almond oat sunflower seed granola and finished the salad with a homemade bourbon cherry balsamic dressing. Are you drooling? Because I am… again. Did I mention this was my favorite salad of all time?! 😉

This salad has just the right amount of sweetness to boost that serotonin, but also makes you just feel good eating it. And there’s something so satisfying about pitting the cherries… kind of a stress reliever I guess. A bit tedious, but it goes fast and it’s SO WORTH IT!

My advice? Look for Northwest Cherries at your local grocery store, make my new favorite salad, and be sure to leave a comment below. I’d also love a tag on Instagram or Facebook @HealthyLittleVittles #healthylittlevittles. Sending you lots of well wishes and so many hugs my friends!

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