Kale and pomegranate salad with maple vinaigrette is a beautiful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a fresh, colorful salad. The earthy kale, sweet pomegranate seeds, crunchy nuts, and tangy-sweet maple vinaigrette come together for a perfectly balanced, refreshing bite. This salad is ideal as a side dish for holiday feasts, dinner parties, or even a light lunch.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to make this vibrant salad, along with tips for preparing kale, optional toppings for added flavor and texture, and pairing suggestions.

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1. Ingredients for Kale and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

Here’s what you’ll need to make this colorful, flavorful salad:

For the Salad:

• Kale – 1 large bunch (about 5-6 cups), de-stemmed and chopped
• Pomegranate Seeds – 1/2 cup (from 1 small pomegranate)
• Apple – 1 medium, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala works well)
• Pecans – 1/4 cup, roughly chopped (or walnuts or almonds)
• Goat Cheese or Feta – 1/4 cup, crumbled (optional, for creaminess)

For the Maple Vinaigrette:

• Olive Oil – 1/4 cup
• Maple Syrup – 2 tablespoons (for a touch of sweetness)
• Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tablespoons
• Dijon Mustard – 1 teaspoon (for a slight tang)
• Salt and Black Pepper – to taste

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2. Step-by-Step Instructions for Kale and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

Follow these steps to create a fresh, vibrant kale salad:

Step 1: Prepare the Kale

1. Rinse the kale well and pat it dry. Remove the tough stems and tear or chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Place the kale in a large bowl and drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the leaves.
3. Massage the kale leaves with your hands for 2-3 minutes until they become tender and slightly darker. This step softens the kale and makes it easier to eat.

Step 2: Make the Maple Vinaigrette

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. Add the pomegranate seeds, sliced apple, chopped pecans, and crumbled goat cheese (if using) to the bowl of massaged kale.
2. Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Serve

1. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Top with extra pomegranate seeds and a few chopped nuts for a decorative finish.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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3. Tips for Perfect Kale and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

3.1 Massage the Kale

Massaging kale helps soften the tough leaves and reduces bitterness, making the salad more enjoyable to eat.

3.2 Choose Fresh Pomegranate Seeds

Fresh pomegranate seeds add a burst of sweetness and juiciness to the salad. You can buy pomegranate seeds pre-packed or deseed a fresh pomegranate.

3.3 Adjust the Vinaigrette to Taste

Maple syrup can vary in sweetness, so taste the vinaigrette and adjust the maple syrup or vinegar as needed for a balanced flavor.

3.4 Add the Dressing Just Before Serving

Dress the salad right before serving to keep the kale and other ingredients fresh and crisp.

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4. Flavor Variations

4.1 Cranberry and Walnut Salad

Swap pomegranate seeds for dried cranberries and use walnuts instead of pecans for a festive, fruity flavor.

4.2 Citrus Kale Salad

Add orange or clementine segments along with the pomegranate for a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the maple vinaigrette.

4.3 Spicy Maple Vinaigrette

Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the maple vinaigrette for a slight kick of heat.

4.4 Add Grains for Heft

Add 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa or farro to the salad for added texture, protein, and a heartier salad option.

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5. Serving Suggestions

This refreshing kale and pomegranate salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, especially during the holiday season. Here are some pairing ideas:

• With Roast Turkey or Chicken: The bright flavors complement the richness of roast meats.
• With Grilled Fish or Salmon: Serve as a light, refreshing side for seafood dishes.
• With Holiday Casseroles: Pairs beautifully with sweet potato casserole, stuffing, or mashed potatoes.
• With a Cheese Board: This salad’s fresh flavors work well alongside a cheese board with crackers and nuts.

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6. Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The kale will stay fresh and hold up better than other greens, although the nuts and fruit may soften slightly. If storing for later, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.

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7. Making Ahead for Gatherings

This salad can easily be prepped ahead of time for holiday meals or gatherings:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash, chop, and massage the kale, then store it in the refrigerator. Slice the apples and deseed the pomegranate in advance.
2. Make the Vinaigrette: Prepare the maple vinaigrette and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
3. Assemble Just Before Serving: Combine all ingredients and dress the salad just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

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FAQ

1. Can I use a different green instead of kale?

Yes! Baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens can work as a substitute for kale, though they won’t need to be massaged.

2. Can I make this salad nut-free?

Absolutely. Use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds in place of nuts for a crunchy, nut-free option.

3. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar can be used in place of apple cider vinegar.

4. How can I keep the apples from browning?

Toss the apple slices in a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad to prevent browning.

5. Can I substitute the pomegranate seeds?

Yes! Dried cranberries, cherries, or fresh blueberries make great alternatives.

6. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you verify that all ingredients are gluten-free, this salad is naturally gluten-free.

7. Can I add protein to make this a main dish?

Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to turn it into a complete meal.

8. How should I serve this salad for a party?

Serve in a large bowl or on a platter with extra pomegranate seeds and nuts sprinkled on top for a festive presentation.

9. Can I make the vinaigrette sweeter?

Yes, adjust the amount of maple syrup to your preference for a sweeter dressing.

10. Can I store extra vinaigrette?

Yes, store leftover vinaigrette in the refrigerator for up to a week in a sealed container. Shake well before using.

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Kale and pomegranate salad with maple vinaigrette is a fresh, festive dish perfect for the holiday table or any time of year. With tender kale, crunchy pecans, juicy pomegranate, and a sweet-tangy dressing, this salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy this vibrant and refreshing addition to any meal!