Dessert

Winter Pomegranate Salad Recipe

Bylina Carter November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

Introduction

This Winter Pomegranate Salad combines the hearty flavors of kale and cabbage with the sweetness of candied pecans and pomegranate arils. Topped with tangy blue cheese and a zesty orange dressing, it’s a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for the colder months.

A white bowl holds a colorful salad with five visible layers; the bottom layer is green kale leaves that form a leafy base, topped with bright red, glossy pomegranate seeds piled high in the front. To the right of the pomegranate is a cluster of diced purple-red onions, crisp and small. Behind the onions is a mound of brown, glossy candied pecans that have a sticky texture. To the left of the pecans is white and greenish-blue crumbled cheese with a crumbly texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth featuring green stripes nearby, and a glass measuring cup with a whisk blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 ounces curly kale
4 ounces cabbage

1/2 cup candied pecans
1/2 cup pomegranate arils

1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest

1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Remove ribs from the kale by slicing down each side of the rib with a knife. Chop the kale leaves into bite-size pieces and add them to a large bowl. Massage the kale leaves for one minute by lightly kneading and scrunching them with clean hands until the leaves become slightly darker and more tender. Chop the cabbage and add it to the bowl with the kale. Then, add the candied pecans, pomegranate arils, diced red onion, and crumbled blue cheese.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, dijon mustard, maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a milder onion flavor, soak diced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
Swap blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for a different creamy texture and tang.
Add roasted butternut squash or beets to enhance the seasonal winter flavors.

Use maple syrup or honey depending on your preferred sweetness level in the dressing.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. If the salad softens, give it a gentle stir and add a splash of fresh orange juice or olive oil before eating.