Winter Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 small red onion
- 10 ounces kale)
stems removed and chopped into ribbons (if using bagged, pre-cut kale, use 8 ounces
- 1 small pomegranate
to yield 1/2 cup seeds
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the pecans on an ungreased baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 5-10 minutes, tossing once or twice throughout, until toasted and fragrant. Watch carefully and set a timer so that the nuts do not burn. Remove from the baking sheet and set aside.
- 2
Slice the onion thinly and place in a small bowl. Cover with cold tap water and set aside for 10 minutes while you finish preparing the rest of the salad (this will keep the onion's flavor but prevent the onion from having such a harsh, raw bite.) Drain the onion and lightly pat dry.
- 3
Slice the pomegranate in half across its "equator" (NOT top to bottom). Working one half at a time, turn the pomegranate over an empty bowl, cut side down, and squeeze it gently all the way around to loosen the seeds. With the back of a wooden spoon, firmly wrap the back of the pomegranate, knocking the seeds into the bowl (be careful—the juice can splatter). Rotate the pomegranate then repeat, so that you tap it all the way around and knock out as many seeds as possible. Slice the pomegranate into big wedges and remove any seeds you missed with your fingers. Repeat with the second half. Measure out 1/2 cup of the seeds for the recipe, then save the rest for a different use.
- 4
In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can shake all of the ingredients together in a tightly sealed mason jar.
- 5
Place the kale and onion slices in a large serving bowl. Pour the dressing over the top. Toss to coat, then let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes if time allows (the flavors will meld and the kale will become more tender). Just before serving, sprinkle with the toasted pecans, pomegranate seeds, feta, and parsley. Toss lightly and serve.
Winter Salad
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 66 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, fresh salad that feels hearty enough for cooler weather? This Winter Salad recipe is a delightful symphony of textures and flavors, perfect for brightening any meal.
What makes this salad truly special is its thoughtful combination of ingredients. You'll find tender kale, crunchy pecan halves, and the juicy burst of pomegranate seeds, all balanced by savory feta and a bright, zesty dressing. This recipe brings together sweet, tangy, and salty notes in every bite, transforming simple components into something truly satisfying.
You can expect a refreshing yet robust salad that appeals to both your palate and your eyes. Each forkful offers a delightful interplay of textures—the slight chewiness of kale, the satisfying crunch of nuts, and the pops of fresh fruit. The creamy, salty feta provides a wonderful counterpoint to the vibrant dressing, which is whisked from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. This salad is surprisingly substantial, making it a great light lunch or a generous side dish.
Feel free to customize this Winter Salad to your liking. Swap the pecan halves for toasted walnuts or slivered almonds for a different nutty crunch. If feta isn't your favorite, crumbled goat cheese or even a shaved hard cheese like Parmesan would be delicious. For an added protein boost, consider stirring in some roasted chickpeas or grilled chicken. Don't have fresh parsley? A pinch of dried herbs like oregano can add a different aromatic note, though fresh is always best here.
This colorful salad is a fantastic addition to holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a fresh side to a weeknight dinner. Its vibrant presentation makes it a standout on any table.