Winter Kale Pomegranate Salad (Printable version)
A nutrient-rich winter salad combining kale, pomegranate, nuts, and a tangy citrus dressing.
# What you need:
→ Greens
01 - 1 large bunch kale, stems removed, leaves finely chopped
→ Fruit
02 - 1 cup pomegranate seeds
03 - 1 crisp apple, cored and diced
→ Nuts & Cheese
04 - 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
05 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
→ Dressing
06 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How To:
01 - Place the chopped kale in a large salad bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 2 to 3 minutes until tender and slightly darkened.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
03 - Add the pomegranate seeds, diced apple, toasted pecans or walnuts, and feta cheese, if using, to the kale.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
05 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It feels like sharing a little secret when you tell friends how something this fresh and vibrant is actually so easy to make
- This salad quickly became a go-to for healthy winter meals because the flavors keep surprising you each bite
02 -
- Massaging the kale is key to softening it and reducing bitterness, so don't skip this step or rush through it
- Toasting nuts takes just minutes but brings out a richness that transforms the salad from good to outstanding
03 -
- Always toast your nuts just before adding them to keep their crunch and flavor vibrant
- The secret that makes all the difference is massaging the kale until it becomes tender and slightly glossy