Holiday Salad with Kale is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for festive occasions. This vibrant dish features fresh kale, juicy persimmons, and sweet pomegranate arils, creating a nutritious and colorful centerpiece for your holiday table. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, this salad is sure to impress your guests and elevate your festive dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Salad with Kale
This Holiday Salad with Kale is not just a feast for the eyes but also for your taste buds. Here are a few reasons to love it: it’s rich in nutrients, providing a healthy alternative amidst holiday indulgences, and it incorporates seasonal ingredients like persimmons and pomegranates. This Festive Kale Salad is suitable for various dietary preferences, being vegetarian and gluten-free. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, taking just 25 minutes to whip up. Perfect for large gatherings, it serves up to six people, making it a great Kale Salad for Holidays.
Ingredients for Holiday Salad with Kale
Gather these items:
- 6 cups Curly Kale (can substitute with dinosaur or baby kale)
- 1 cup Pecan Pieces (can substitute with walnuts or sliced almonds)
- 2 medium Persimmons (ripe for best flavor)
- 1 cup Pomegranate Arils (can deseed in advance for convenience)
- 1 cup Crumbled Goat Cheese (can substitute with feta)
- 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (make ahead for convenience)
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
How to Make Holiday Salad with Kale Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Wash the curly kale under cold water, tear into bite-sized pieces, and massage gently for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the massaged kale, chopped persimmons, pomegranate arils, and toasted pecans. Toss gently.
- Step 4: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the salad and fold in gently.
- Step 5: Drizzle with apple cider vinegar dressing, toss again to coat all ingredients.
- Step 6: Serve immediately in a large serving dish or individual bowls.
Pro Tips for the Best Holiday Salad with Kale
Keep these in mind:
- Use ripe persimmons for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Toast the nuts just until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit the goat cheese and substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- This dish can also be made gluten-free by selecting certified gluten-free ingredients.
Best Ways to Serve Holiday Salad with Kale
Consider these serving ideas:
- Pair with roasted chicken or turkey for a complete meal.
- Serve as a colorful side dish at your Thanksgiving Kale Salad feast.
- Add a sprinkle of citrus zest for an extra refreshing touch.
How to Store and Reheat Holiday Salad with Kale
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The kale can hold up well, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you plan to meal prep, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Salad with Kale
What’s the secret to perfect Holiday Salad with Kale?
The key is to massage the kale. It helps to break down the fibrous texture, making it tender and delicious. This technique is essential for creating a delectable nutritious holiday salad with kale.
Can I make Holiday Salad with Kale ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the freshness of the greens and prevent wilting.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Holiday Salad with Kale?
Avoid using unripe persimmons, as they can taste harsh. Also, remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving for the best flavor.
Variations of Holiday Salad with Kale You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Try adding roasted squash for a hearty addition.
- Incorporate seasonal ingredients like apples or pears for a touch of sweetness.
- For a different flavor profile, use a Kale Salad with Citrus Dressing.
For more delicious recipes, check out our salad category. If you’re looking for a great side dish, consider our Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. You can also explore easy avocado toast for a quick and healthy meal option.
Print
Delicious Holiday Salad with Kale, Persimmon & Pomegranate
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Holiday Salad with Kale, Persimmon, and Pomegranate blends fresh ingredients for a nutritious and colorful festive dish.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Curly Kale (can substitute with dinosaur or baby kale)
- 1 cup Pecan Pieces (can substitute with walnuts or sliced almonds)
- 2 medium Persimmons (ripe for best flavor)
- 1 cup Pomegranate Arils (can deseed in advance for convenience)
- 1 cup Crumbled Goat Cheese (can substitute with feta)
- 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (make ahead for convenience)
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Wash the curly kale under cold water, tear into bite-sized pieces, and massage gently for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until fragrant.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the massaged kale, chopped persimmons, pomegranate arils, and toasted pecans. Toss gently.
- Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the salad and fold in gently.
- Drizzle with apple cider vinegar dressing, toss again to coat all ingredients.
- Serve immediately in a large serving dish or individual bowls.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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