Kale salad is just not the sort of dish that garners the instant appreciation that’s showered upon Homemade Scalloped Potatoes. Such is the way of the world. More often than not, winter salad’s purpose at holiday parties is to be the tiny speck of green on our plates that makes us feel less guilty about all of the Mulled Wine and Glazed Sweet Potatoes we are sure to ingest. Two bites of kale salad, and we are absolved. This kale salad, however, will not be overlooked. Like my other favorite holiday salads, Beet Salad, Apple Walnut Salad and the Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Salad in The Well Plated Cookbook, the bright, fresh flavors and beautiful colors here can sit proudly along side even the most cheesy of potato dishes. Now, before you accuse me of being the menu-planning equivalent of Ebenezer Scrooge for suggesting that you serve something as disturbingly healthy as kale salad at your holiday table, let’s pause a moment to consider the merits of this winter salad.

How to Make Crisp Winter Salad

Dare to sign up for the salad. This red and green winter salad with kale and pomegranate will give you reason to be proud of your contribution. It’s alive with flavor, easy to make, and ultra-festive for Christmas or Thanksgiving.

The Ingredients

Kale. While often viewed as an undesirable ingredient, kale gets a chance to shine in this winter salad. It becomes tender once coated in the Dijon dressing, and any bitterness is offset by the sweet pops of pomegranate. Plus, it’s rich in antioxidants and vitamin-K. Pecan Halves. Pecans add a toasty, crunchy element. Red Onion. I love the crisp bite that red onions add to the salad. Pomegranate. These sweet, sour, and juicy little seeds are a delightful addition. They also provide beautiful, festive pops of color, making this salad ideal for a holiday spread.

Feta. Creamy, salty, and cheesy deliciousness. This salad is also delicious with goat cheese or a mild blue cheese.

Winter Salad Dressing. Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper create the most light, zippy, and delicious dressing that’s strong enough to hold up to the kale.

The Directions

Winter Salad Storage Tips

To Store. While this salad is best the day it is made, you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.Store any leftover dressing in a separate airtight storage container.

What To Serve With Winter Salad

Salmon Wellington – Salmon Wellington is an easy but impressive recipe you can prep ahead for entertaining. Salmon wrapped in puff pastry with spinach, then baked until golden, this salmon en croute is to die for!Rosemary Chicken Thighs with Apples and Brussels Sprouts – Crispy rosemary chicken thighs baked with apples, Brussels sprouts, and onions in a delicious honey mustard glaze. Healthy, one pan, and easy clean up!One Skillet Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Italian Sausage – One Skillet Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Italian Sausage and Spinach. Healthy, EASY recipe that cooks in just one pan! Pure comfort and so simple to make!Cordon Bleu Chicken – Crispy baked chicken cordon bleu is a healthy version of the classic recipe. Tender chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, breaded, and baked.

Cutting Board. This one won’t slip out from under you while you’re cutting. Mason Jar. The easiest way to mix and store dressing.Measuring Spoons. A kitchen tool no one should be without.

Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe.

Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad

25 mins

Roasted Sweet Potato Quinoa Black Bean Salad

40 mins

Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

45 mins

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