Christmas Salad

Here’s a refreshing twist on traditional holiday fare: this kale pomegranate salad, affectionately known as , is simplicity itself to prepare and serves as a vibrant, nutritious alternative for your winter gatherings.
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Ingredients Needed Salad Substitutions How to Make Christmas Salad Brittany’s Tips How to Serve Storing Leftovers Frequently Asked Questions More Holiday Sides

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

With its vibrant pomegranate seeds, rich goat cheese, and satisfying crunch from the candied nuts, this salad is a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
Tangy notes from the balsamic dressing harmonize with the sweetness of pomegranate seeds and the richness of cream-infused goat cheese, resulting in a beautifully balanced fusion of flavors that tantalizes the palate in each delectable bite.
Prepare your dressing and pre-wilt the kale in advance to reduce last-minute holiday pressure. Just assemble and serve!
This versatile salad complements a wide range of main courses, making it an excellent option for accommodating diverse tastes and dietary requirements.

Ingredients Needed

Whether using Curly kale or Lacinato kale, this recipe is a winner! By massaging the kale in the dressing, you help to break down any tough or fibrous leaves and simultaneously enhance the overall flavor profile.
Mildly flavored, its creamy texture adds a pleasant dimension to this salad.
Purchasing a whole pomegranate allows for removal of its edible seeds, known as arils, at home; alternatively, pre-packaged arils are available for convenience. You’ll easily spot them in the produce section.
-or crunchy candied pecans adding a festive and sweet flair. When I’m pressed for time, I often opt for store-bought convenience, relying on Diamond glazed walnuts to deliver a crowd-pleasing treat that my family adores.
Our homemade balsamic dressing recipe combines the finest ingredients: rich extra virgin olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet maple syrup, a hint of dijon mustard, pungent garlic, and a touch of salt.

Salad Substitutions

: Not a fan kale? No worries! Baby spinach, mixed greens, and even arugula prove excellent alternatives for a more subdued, delicate foundation. For those unfamiliar with kale, its unique texture and flavor may come as a pleasant surprise, especially after being gently massaged.
If goat cheese isn’t to your taste, crumbled feta or blue cheese make excellent substitutions.
A burst of sweetness from fresh pomegranate seeds is a delight, though dried cranberries, cherries, or mandarin orange segments can also substitute beautifully.
Alternatively, opt for plain toasted nuts to reduce the level of sweetness, or consider substituting them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative.

How to Make Christmas Salad

Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender and process until they are thoroughly incorporated and achieve a silky texture. Combine all the ingredients in a mason jar; close the lid tightly and vigorously shake until well incorporated.

Massaging approximately half of the dressing into the kale in a spacious mixing bowl is an effective way to tenderize this robust leafy green. Add more dressing as needed.

With a flourish, add pomegranate seeds and crumbly goat cheese to the salad bowl, reserving a judicious amount of each for a stylish finishing touch.

Combine all ingredients, then season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Add more dressing if needed. Transfer the dish to a serving bowl, then garnish with an appealing combination of crunchy candied nuts, vibrant pomegranate seeds, and creamy goat cheese. Enjoy!

Brittany’s Tips

If preparing the dressing in advance, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours. As the ingredients interact and mature, the resulting dish becomes increasingly delectable.
Reserve a selection of pomegranate seeds, crumbled goat cheese, and candied nuts to garnish the dish just prior to serving. The carefully arranged ingredients on the plate create a visually appealing and celebratory presentation that elevates the overall dining experience.
Begin by using half the amount of dressing you typically would, then thoroughly combine it with your salad ingredients, before adjusting to taste as necessary. Be mindful of not over-dressing the kale, lest it becomes soggy and loses its crisp texture.
You can prepare the dressing up to three days ahead of time to simplify your workflow on the desired serving date. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re prepared to assemble the entire salad.

How to Serve

Here’s a revised version: This show-stopping Christmas salad is incredibly versatile, effortlessly pairing with a range of dishes to make it the perfect centrepiece for holiday get-togethers and intimate dinners alike. Here are some serving ideas:

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Christmas salad can be safely stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or refrigerated for 2-3 days. While the dressing may cause the kale to wilt slightly, it will remain safe and edible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Position the pomegranate with its cut surface facing downwards into a bowl to contain the arils as they are released. Give the back of the plant a gentle whack with a wooden spoon to encourage the seed pods to open and release their contents. This method is remarkably swift, effortless, and preserves the seeds with precision.

As the kale matures, it should develop a richer, more vibrant green hue and exhibit a tender, slightly yielding texture when gently touched. As a result, its volume will decrease by a small margin. You don’t need to overdo it; just a minute or two of gentle massaging is all it takes.

Absolutely! Experiment with flavors and ingredients to create a unique salad that reflects your personal taste. Enrich this salad with your beloved vegetables, complement them with your top-notch nuts or seeds, and pair them with a drizzle of your trusted dressing for an unparalleled culinary experience. The options are endless!