Description
A vibrant and refreshing Winter Pomegranate Salad featuring tender kale and cabbage, sweet candied pecans, tangy pomegranate arils, and creamy blue cheese, all balanced with a zesty orange Dijon dressing. Perfect as a healthy side or light meal during the colder months.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 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
Dressing
- 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
- Prepare the Kale: Remove ribs from kale by slicing down each side of the rib with a knife. Chop kale leaves into bite-size pieces and add to a large bowl. Massage kale leaves for one minute, lightly kneading and scrunching with clean hands until the kale appears slightly darker and more tender.
- Add Remaining Salad Ingredients: 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, combining all the salad ingredients gently.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- Massaging kale softens its tough texture, making it more enjoyable to eat raw.
- To save time, buy pre-candied pecans or substitute with roasted pecans for less sweetness.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crunch of the kale and cabbage.
- For a vegan version, omit blue cheese or replace with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: winter salad, pomegranate salad, kale salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, no-cook salad, holiday salad
