Winter Kale Pomegranate Salad (Printable Format)
Fresh kale blended with pomegranate seeds, nuts, and citrus for a vibrant winter dish.
# What You Need:
→ Greens
01 - 1 large bunch curly kale, stems removed and leaves chopped (about 7 oz)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for massaging kale)
03 - Pinch of salt
→ Fruits & Vegetables
04 - 1 cup pomegranate seeds (from 1 medium pomegranate)
05 - 1 medium crisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
06 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
→ Nuts & Cheese
07 - 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
08 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
→ Dressing
09 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How-To Steps:
01 - Place chopped kale in a large bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage with hands for 1 to 2 minutes until leaves soften and darken.
02 - Add pomegranate seeds, sliced apple, and red onion to the kale.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - Pour the dressing over the kale mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Fold in walnuts or pecans and crumbled feta cheese if using. Toss gently to combine.
06 - Serve immediately or let salad rest for 10 to 15 minutes to enhance flavors.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It feels like sharing a secret with a dear friend how easily you can turn simple kale into a dazzling, crunchy delight
- The juicy pomegranate seeds paired with the citrus dressing make this salad a refreshing favorite you’ll want again and again
02 -
- Massaging kale is the secret to turning tough leaves tender and enjoyable, do not skip this step
- Using fresh citrus juice in the dressing makes the whole salad pop with brightness in a way bottled juices simply can’t match
03 -
- Don’t rush massaging your kale; think of it as a mini workout and watch the leaves transform
- The balance of sweet, sour, and salty in the dressing is what truly elevates the dish