Winter Kale Pomegranate Salad (Printer-Friendly)
Tender kale blends with pomegranate, nuts, and citrus dressing for a fresh winter meal option.
# What You'll Need:
→ Greens
01 - 1 large bunch curly kale (about 7 oz), stems removed, leaves chopped
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for massaging kale)
→ Fruits & Vegetables
03 - 1 cup pomegranate seeds (from 1 medium pomegranate)
04 - 1 medium crisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
05 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
→ Nuts & Cheese
06 - 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
07 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
→ Dressing
08 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
10 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Place chopped kale in a large salad bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage kale with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until leaves soften and deepen in color.
02 - Add pomegranate seeds, sliced apple, and red onion to the kale in the bowl.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra-virgin 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 gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Sprinkle walnuts or pecans and crumbled feta cheese, if using, over the salad. Toss delicately once more to incorporate.
06 - Serve immediately, or allow to rest 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature to meld flavors.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It feels like sharing a refreshing burst of color when most winter meals are dull and heavy
- The combination of tangy pomegranate and crisp apple makes every bite a delightful surprise
02 -
- Massaging the kale is non-negotiable—it turns tough leaves into tender bites
- Adding citrus juice to the dressing not only brightens flavor but also softens the kale even more over time
03 -
- Always use fresh lemon and orange juice for the dressing to keep those vibrant notes alive
- A quick toast of the nuts intensifies their flavor and adds irresistible crunch