Description
Crisp winter roots dance in this seasonal winter salad bringing Mediterranean warmth to chilly dinner tables. Fresh herbs and tangy vinaigrette elevate simple ingredients, offering you a refreshing culinary escape from cold weather’s embrace.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients:
- 6 ounces (170 grams) shredded kale
- 6 ounces (170 grams) mixed shredded vegetables
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) roasted butternut squash
- 2 medium apples, diced
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) candied pecans
- 4 ounces (113 grams) crumbled goat cheese
- 1/2 cup (80 grams) pomegranate arils
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) olive oil plus more for kale
- 4 teaspoons whole grain mustard
- 4 teaspoons maple syrup
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gently knead kale with citrus and olive oil, transforming leaves to a vibrant emerald hue and softening texture for approximately 60 seconds.
- Incorporate julienned root vegetables and finely diced crisp apple into the tender kale base, creating a textural foundation.
- Craft vinaigrette by vigorously blending tangy vinegar, robust mustard, sweet maple syrup, balanced seasoning, and rich oil until smooth and integrated.
- Thoroughly coat vegetable mixture with prepared dressing, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Garnish salad with toasted pecans, crumbled aged cheese, roasted winter squash, and jewel-like pomegranate seeds for a luxurious finish.
Notes
- Massage kale gently to break down tough fibers, making it more tender and easier to digest while enhancing its vibrant green color.
- Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in the salad.
- Make dressing ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Swap pecans with sunflower seeds or almonds for nut-free versions, maintaining the salad’s delightful crunch and nutritional profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 638 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 54 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 42 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg