Pomegranate Salad
User Reviews
5
Pomegranate Salad
Description
Pomegranate Salad starts with a base of kale, torn and massaged to mellow its natural toughness and bitterness. Crisp Granny Smith apple slices add a fresh tartness while dried cranberries provide chewiness and sweetness. Green onions contribute a mild sharpness, complemented by creamy, crumbly feta cheese and toasted pecans for crunch and nutty depth. The salad is dressed with an emulsified vinaigrette made from apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and vegetable oil, offering a balanced sweet-tart finish that nicely coats the ingredients.
The massaging technique softens the kale, making it more palatable and less bitter, encouraging a better texture and integration with the other components. The layered topping of cheese, nuts, and fruit before serving keeps them distinct, maintaining their individual textures and flavors until enjoyed. The dressing is whisked slowly to create a stable emulsion, improving its consistency and preventing separation.
This salad suits a variety of occasions as a refreshing side or light main dish. It pairs well with roasted meats or as part of a buffet table. The combination of textures from crunchy nuts, tender greens, and creamy feta lends complexity without heaviness.
Extra dressing can be refrigerated up to 2–3 days and used on similar salads. When substituting greens other than kale, toss salad just before serving to preserve freshness. Store-bought dressings with a tangy sweet profile can be used if time is limited, but homemade dressing enhances integration. Massaging kale with a little oil makes it easier to handle and improves flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 cups kale washed, dried and torn into bite sized pieces
- 1 apple quartered and thinly sliced, Granny Smith
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1 cup pecans toasted
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Instructions
Dressing
- Combine all dressing ingredients except for the oil in a mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
- While continuing to whisk, drizzle in the oil very slowly until well combined. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.
Salad
- Slice the apple and toss with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning).
- Place the kale in a salad bowl and massage the leaves well with your hands until they turn dark green and soften. You can add a drop of oil to make this task easier if you'd like.
- Add the feta cheese, green onions, and dressing to taste. You may not use all of the dressing.
- Toss the ingredients well to combine. Top the salad remaining ingredients.
Notes
- Massage kale leaves with your hands to soften texture and reduce bitterness before assembling the salad.
- Emulsify the dressing by slowly whisking in the oil to prevent separation.
- Refrigerate extra dressing up to 2-3 days for future use.
- Add green onions and feta to the dressing for better flavor coating; place other ingredients like apples and cranberries on top to keep from sinking.
- If using greens other than kale, toss just before serving to keep freshness.
- A tangy sweet store-bought dressing can substitute if needed, but homemade adds depth.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8side servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 324 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 324 | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 320mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 474mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 6785IU | 136% |
| Vitamin C | 84mg | 93% |
| Calcium | 172mg | 17% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
