Winter winds may be chilly, but this salad is like a burst of sunshine on a dreary day—crunchy, colorful, and utterly refreshing. I remember last winter, when I first tossed together citrus slices, pomegranate seeds, and crisp greens, thinking, “This is a bowl of joy!” The homemade vinaigrette? It’s like the perfect playlist, tying it all together with a zesty tang that dances on your taste buds.
Steps
- Begin by massaging pre-shredded kale with a small drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and some lemon juice. Use your hands to work the citrus and oil into the kale leaves for at least a minute until the leaves become softer and less bitter.
- Add prepped or shredded vegetables of your choice, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and cabbage slaw mix, to the kale. These hearty greens will hold up well even after dressing, making the salad suitable for meal prep.
- Chop a couple of apples and add them to the salad. Incorporate some candied pecans for a sweet and crunchy element; you can find them at the store or make them yourself.
- Prepare a simple maple-mustard vinaigrette by combining red wine vinegar, whole grain or dijon mustard, maple syrup, and extra-virgin olive oil. Shake the dressing well, and if chilled, let it sit at room temperature or warm it under running water before using.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and mix thoroughly to ensure even coating. At this stage, the salad is complete but can be enhanced with additional ingredients.
- For added flavor, crumble cranberry-coated goat cheese or regular goat cheese on top of the salad. The tanginess of the cheese complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Roast some prepped butternut squash cubes until tender and add them to the salad. This adds a warm, comforting element.
- For a final touch, sprinkle pomegranate arils over the salad. These jewel-like seeds add a burst of color and a sweet-tart flavor, making the dish visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients
- Pre-shredded kale
- 1 drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Shredded Brussels sprouts
- Shredded carrots
- Cabbage slaw mix
- 2 chopped apples
- Candied pecans
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon whole grain or dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Cranberry-coated goat cheese (or regular goat cheese)
- Roasted butternut squash cubes
- Pomegranate arils
FAQ
- How do you prepare kale for a winter salad?
- Massage the kale leaves with lemon juice and a small amount of extra-virgin olive oil. This process softens the leaves and reduces their bitterness, making them more enjoyable to eat raw.
- What vegetables can be added to a hearty winter salad?
- You can include prepped or shredded vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and cabbage slaw mix. These vegetables add flavor and texture to the salad while remaining crunchy and fresh even after being dressed.
- How can I make candied pecans for the salad?
- While candied pecans can be purchased at the store, you can also make them at home using simple ingredients. This homemade touch can add a sweet and crunchy element to your salad.
- What dressing pairs well with this salad?
- A maple-mustard vinaigrette complements the hearty ingredients of the salad. It’s made with red wine vinegar, whole grain or Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and extra-virgin olive oil. You can prepare it in advance, but remember to let it warm up a bit if it has been refrigerated.
- What additional toppings can enhance the salad?
- Consider adding cranberry-coated or regular goat cheese for tanginess, roasted butternut squash cubes for a hearty addition, and pomegranate arils for a burst of color and flavor. These toppings can elevate the salad to a more gourmet level.
Tips
- Massage the Kale: Before adding the kale to your salad, massage it with a small amount of lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil. This will soften the leaves and reduce their bitterness, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the salad. Spend at least a minute on this step for the best results.
- Candied Pecans: While candied nuts can be purchased, consider making them at home for a fresher taste. They add a sweet, crunchy element to the salad, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
- Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette: Prepare the dressing ahead of time to let the flavors meld. If the oil solidifies in the fridge, just leave it at room temperature for an hour or run the jar under warm water before using it.
- Optional Additions: Enhance the salad by adding cranberry-coated goat cheese, roasted butternut squash cubes, and pomegranate arils. These ingredients add depth and a variety of flavors and textures to the salad, making it more festive and satisfying.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner – Useful for drying pre-washed greens thoroughly.
- Citrus Juicer – Handy for extracting lemon juice efficiently.
- Mandoline Slicer – Helpful if you want to slice vegetables like apples or brussels sprouts thinly.
- Jar with Lid – Essential for shaking and storing homemade salad dressings.
- Roasting Pan or Baking Sheet – Needed for roasting butternut squash cubes.
- Pomegranate Deseeder Tool – Convenient for extracting arils from pomegranates without the mess.
