This refreshing salad is perfect for the winter season, combining the sweetness of citrus with the earthiness of kale. Meanwhile, the pickled onions add a nice tanginess, while the pomegranate arils provide a burst of juicy flavor. As you prepare this salad, consider serving it alongside a delicious Mexican street corn dip for a fun and tasty snack.
Why You’ll Love This Winter Citrus Kale Salad
This salad is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. The kale provides a good source of vitamins and minerals, while the citrus fruits offer a boost of vitamin C. Additionally, the pomegranate arils are rich in antioxidants, making this salad a great choice for a healthy and easy dinner.
Base Components
The base of this salad consists of kale, which is massaged with olive oil and mixed with segmented citrus fruits. The bitterness of the kale is balanced by the sweetness of the citrus, creating a nice harmony of flavors.
Recipe
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Winter Citrus Kale Salad
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing winter salad featuring kale, citrus fruits, and pomegranate arils
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup red onion (60 g), thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar (80 ml)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (15 g)
- 2 Tbsp water (30 ml)
- 1 large bundle lacinto kale (4 cups, 200 g), chopped
- 1 grapefruit or orange (200 g), segmented
- 1 tart apple (150 g), cored and chopped
- 1/4 cup pomegranate arils or dried cranberries (30 g)
- 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (45 ml)
- 1 Tbsp dijon mustard (15 g)
- pinch sea salt (1 g) + black pepper (1 g)
- 1/2 Tbsp sweetener of choice (7 g), such as maple syrup or honey
- 1/3 cup olive oil (80 ml), plus more for massaging kale
- 2 Tbsp orange juice (30 ml), optional
Instructions
- Pickle onions by mixing apple cider vinegar, water, and sugar in a small bowl and stirring to dissolve.
- Add sliced onions and let set in the fridge while prepping the rest of the salad.
- Add kale to a large mixing bowl with 1-2 tsp olive oil and squeeze over reserved grapefruit or orange juice.
- Use your fingers to massage the kale to break down the bitterness and stiffness.
- Next add apple, grapefruit or orange segments, and pomegranate or cranberries and set aside.
- Prepare dressing in a small mixing bowl by whisking vinegar, mustard, sweetener, and salt and pepper.
- Stream in olive oil while mixing, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add pickled onions to the salad, as well as the dressing, toss and serve.
Notes
- Leftovers keep up to a couple of days in the fridge, though best when fresh.
- Consider adding hempseeds, roasted nuts, or sunflower seeds for extra protein.
- Berries can be used in spring and summer for a different flavor variation.
- Cooked quinoa can be added for extra nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 239 kcal
- Sugar: 11.7 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2.8 g
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this salad, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. These include lacinto kale, citrus fruits such as grapefruits or oranges, a tart apple, pomegranate arils or dried cranberries, and a sweetener of choice. You can also add some extra protein with hempseeds, roasted nuts, or sunflower seeds.
Sauce and Seasonings
The dressing for this salad is made with a mixture of apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, sweetener, and salt and pepper. The acidity of the vinegar helps to balance the sweetness of the citrus, while the mustard adds a nice depth of flavor.
How to Make Winter Citrus Kale Salad
To prepare this salad, start by pickling the onions in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, water, and sugar. Meanwhile, massage the kale with olive oil and mix it with the segmented citrus fruits, apple, and pomegranate arils. Next, prepare the dressing by whisking together the vinegar, mustard, sweetener, and salt and pepper, and then streaming in the olive oil.
Step 1: Prepare the Kale
Begin by adding the kale to a large mixing bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil. Use your fingers to massage the kale and break down its bitterness and stiffness.
Step 2: Add the Citrus Fruits and Apple
Next, add the segmented citrus fruits and the chopped apple to the bowl with the kale. Mix well to combine.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, sweetener, and salt and pepper. Stream in the olive oil while mixing, and then taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure that your salad turns out well, make sure to massage the kale thoroughly to break down its bitterness. Also, be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings of the dressing as you go. Consider serving this salad with a side of extra virgin olive oil herb dip for a delicious and herby flavor combination.
Flavor Variations
This salad is highly customizable, so don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients. You can try adding different types of citrus fruits, such as blood oranges or Meyer lemons, or using various types of sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for serving as a light and refreshing lunch or dinner. You can also consider serving it as a side dish for a dinner party or special occasion. For a tasty and elegant appetizer, try pairing this salad with a lemon ricotta spread on toasted bread.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
This salad is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a couple of days. Simply prepare the salad as instructed, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 239 kcal | 17 g | 21 g | 2.8 g | 3 g | 11.7 g | 100 mg |
FAQs About Winter Citrus Kale Salad
What is the best type of kale to use for this salad?
The best type of kale to use for this salad is lacinto kale, which has a milder flavor and a more delicate texture than other types of kale.
Can I use other types of citrus fruits in this salad?
Yes, you can use other types of citrus fruits in this salad, such as blood oranges or Meyer lemons. Simply segment the citrus fruits and add them to the salad as instructed.
Final Thoughts
This winter citrus kale salad is a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy the flavors of the season. With its combination of tangy citrus, earthy kale, and sweet pomegranate arils, this salad is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead and give it a try, and don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients and flavor variations.
