Kale Salad with Pomegranate

Kale Salad with Pomegranate is a fresh and colourful dish that works well as a side or a light lunch. It combines the earthy taste of kale with sweet seeds and crunchy nuts. You can prepare it in just a few minutes with simple ingredients. It is a great way to enjoy seasonal greens during the colder months.
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Good reasons to make kale salad with pomegranate

This Kale Salad with Pomegranate is popular because it stays fresh for a long time. Unlike other greens, kale does not wilt quickly once the dressing is added. The contrast between the salty cheese and sweet fruit makes every bite interesting. It is a simple way to add more colour to your dinner table.

How to prepare kale salad with pomegranate

Step 1
Prepare the kale: Wash the kale leaves and remove the tough woody stems from the middle. Chop the leaves into small bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle a little salt over the leaves and massage them with your hands for a minute until they soften. This process makes the texture much nicer to eat.
Step 2
Make the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, mix the olive oil with the lemon juice and honey. Shake or whisk the ingredients until the dressing is well combined. Pour the dressing over the softened kale in the large bowl. Toss the leaves thoroughly so every piece is coated in the liquid.
Step 3
Add the toppings: Cut the pomegranate in half and remove the seeds by tapping the back with a spoon. Add the fresh seeds to the bowl along with the walnut pieces. You can toast the walnuts in a dry pan first if you want more crunch. Shave the parmesan cheese into thin flakes and add them as well.
Step 4
Final toss: Mix all the ingredients together gently using salad servers or large spoons. Taste the salad and add a little extra lemon or salt if needed. Serve the Kale Salad with Pomegranate immediately or let it sit for ten minutes to develop the flavours. It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or grilled fish.

Tips to make kale salad with pomegranate even better

Massaging the kale is the most important part of this recipe. It breaks down the tough fibres and makes the leaves much easier to digest and chew. If you have time, let the dressed salad sit for fifteen minutes before adding the nuts and cheese. This allows the lemon and oil to further soften the leaves.

You can easily customise this Kale Salad with Pomegranate by adding other fruits like sliced apple or pear. If you do not have walnuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are excellent alternatives for providing a crunch. Always use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the best flavour. Ensure the pomegranate seeds are free from any white pith as it can be quite bitter.

You can also try these recipes: beef and cabbage stew, homemade duck gravy or glazed potatoes.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 200 g curly kale
  • 1 large pomegranate
  • 50 g walnut halves
  • 30 g parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 pinch salt

Cooking time

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Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1192 kJ / 285 kcal
  • Fat:24 g
  • - of which saturates:4 g
  • Carbohydrates:16 g
  • - of which sugars:10 g
  • Protein:6 g
  • Fibre:4 g
  • Salt:180 mg

People also ask

You can keep this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Because kale is a sturdy leaf, the Kale Salad with Pomegranate will not go soggy as quickly as lettuce. It actually tastes better after the dressing has soaked in for a few hours.
Yes, you can easily swap the walnuts for pecans or toasted pine nuts. Almonds also work well and provide a nice crunch to the Kale Salad with Pomegranate. Choose unsalted nuts to keep the flavours balanced.
The best way to reduce bitterness is to massage the chopped leaves with salt and olive oil. This softens the leaves and mellows the flavour. Adding the sweet pomegranate seeds also helps to balance any remaining earthy notes.
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