Winter Kale Salad with Pomegranate, Pears & Walnuts

This Winter Kale Salad with Pomegranate, Pears & Walnuts is vibrant, refreshing, and packed with seasonal flavors. The mix of sweet fruit, crunchy nuts, and hearty kale creates the perfect balance of textures and colors, making it a beautiful side dish for winter dinners or holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❄️

🥗 Bright & Seasonal: Bursting with winter colors and fresh flavor.
🍐 Sweet + Tart Balance: Pears and pomegranate bring natural sweetness and acidity.
🌰 Crunchy & Satisfying: Toasted walnuts add the perfect texture.
🍋 Zesty Citrus Dressing: Light, refreshing, and ties everything together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 large bunch kale, chopped and massaged
• 1–2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• ½ cup toasted walnuts
• ½ cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ tbsp lemon juice or orange juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prep the Kale

Chop the kale and massage it with a small drizzle of olive oil until softened and deep green.

Step 2 – Make the Dressing

Whisk together lemon juice, Dijon, honey, salt, pepper, and olive oil until emulsified.

Step 3 – Assemble the Salad

Add kale to a bowl and top with pears, pomegranate seeds, and toasted walnuts.

Step 4 – Finish & Serve

Crumble cheese over the top and drizzle lightly with the citrus vinaigrette.

Expert Tips 💡

🍋 Use citrus juice (lemon or orange) for the freshest flavor.
🌰 Toast the walnuts for deeper nuttiness.
🍐 Slice pears right before serving to prevent browning.
🥗 Massage the kale to avoid a tough texture.

What to Serve With

• Roasted chicken or turkey
• Herb-crusted salmon
• Winter soups like butternut squash
• Holiday mains
• Simple weeknight meals for a fresh, light side

FAQs

❓ Can I make this ahead?
Yes — assemble the kale, nuts, and pomegranate ahead of time. Add pears and dressing just before serving.

❓ What can I use instead of pears?
Apples, persimmons, or even roasted squash work beautifully.

❓ Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely — simply omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

Conclusion

This Winter Kale Salad with Pomegranate, Pears & Walnuts is colorful, nourishing, and bursting with seasonal flavor. It’s the perfect blend of crisp greens, sweet fruit, and crunchy nuts — a refreshing winter side you’ll come back to all season long.