Start by washing the kale thoroughly under cold water. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
To soften the kale and remove its natural bitterness, massage it with a drizzle of olive oil or half of the dressing for about 1 – 2 minutes. This helps break down the tough fibres, making the kale more tender and easier to digest.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk until the dressing is well combined and has a smooth consistency.
Heat a pan over medium heat, add the nuts or seeds, and toast them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once they are fragrant and slightly golden, remove them from the heat and let them cool.
In a large salad bowl, combine the massaged kale, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and onions.
Drizzle the dressing over the apple salad and toss everything together until well coated. Crumble the feta cheese on top and sprinkle seeds/nuts.
Let the apple salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.