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Salad • American

Winter Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Blue Cheese Recipe

Winter Kale Salad loaded with crisp and light tuscan kale, sweet pomegranate, creamy blue cheese, and brown bread croutons tossed in a well-balanced maple apple cider vinaigrette.

4.5 from 164 votes
30 mins
Total Time
4
servings
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Winter Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Blue Cheese

How to Make the Best Winter Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Blue Cheese

This winter kale salad is the perfect seasonal dish that brings together fresh, vibrant flavors with an elegant presentation. Tuscan kale serves as the hearty base, providing a slightly peppery and tender green that holds up beautifully when massaged with dressing. The addition of tart pomegranate seeds and creamy blue cheese creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that make this salad anything but boring.

The maple apple cider vinaigrette is the true star of this dish—warm, balanced, and sophisticated. The combination of apple cider, maple syrup, and dijon mustard creates a dressing that tastes both cozy and light at the same time. Homemade brown bread croutons add a pleasant crunch and heartiness that makes this salad substantial enough to serve as a main course or alongside roasted meats and poultry.

Perfect for entertaining or holiday gatherings, this winter kale salad is easy to prepare and makes a stunning presentation when plated in a large serving bowl. The recipe scales beautifully and can be made ahead—just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep the kale crispy and fresh.

Winter Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Blue Cheese

Winter Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Blue Cheese

Winter Kale Salad loaded with crisp and light tuscan kale, sweet pomegranate, creamy blue cheese, and brown bread croutons tossed in a well-balanced maple apple cider vinaigrette.

4.5 from 164 votes
CourseSalad
CuisineAmerican
Keywordkale salad, salads for entertaining, tuscan kale, winter salad, winter salad with blue cheese
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings4 servings
Calories516kcal
AuthorAlex Raeburn
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Ingredients

Salad

Croutons

Maple Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Instructions

Croutons

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Cut or tear the brown bread into bite sized pieces.
  3. Toss with olive oil and spread into an even layer on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes until crispy.

Dressing

  1. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, apple cider, dijon, garlic, salt and pepper.
  2. Slowly pour in olive oil while whisking quickly.
  3. Alternatively: Combine all ingredients in a mason jar, cover tightly and shake vigorously until blended.
  4. Set aside.

Assemble

  1. Remove the bottom 1/4 to 1/3 of the kale leaves.
  2. Chop the kale in 1/2-inch to 1-inch strips, wash and dry.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the kale and croutons with 3/4 of the salad dressing.
  4. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with pomegranate seeds and blue cheese.
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