Description
A vibrant and crunchy kale salad featuring tender massaged kale, sweet apple slices, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, and toasted pepitas seasoned with smoked paprika. Tossed in a flavorful shallot vinaigrette, this salad is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for a healthy and refreshing meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 head kale, destemmed
- 1/2–1 medium apple, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 4–5 tbsp shallot vinaigrette (see recipe in post)
Toasted Pepitas
- 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or your favorite nuts
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
Instructions
- Toast Pepitas: Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add the pepitas. Toast them for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season Pepitas: Add the smoked paprika, sea salt, and light brown sugar to the pepitas. Stir continuously using a wooden spoon and toast for an additional 3-4 minutes, making sure to move them frequently to avoid burning. Once done, transfer to a plate or parchment paper and let cool.
- Prepare Kale: Remove the stems from the kale leaves, rinse thoroughly, and dry using a salad spinner or pat dry with a towel. Slice the kale into approximately 1/4 inch pieces.
- Massage Kale with Vinaigrette: Place the sliced kale in a mixing bowl and add 4-5 tablespoons of shallot vinaigrette. Using your hands, massage the dressing into the kale to help soften the leaves. Let it marinate for at least 10-15 minutes to develop flavor and tenderness. Then, transfer the kale to a serving plate or bowl.
- Slice Apple: Core the apple and slice thinly. Use half the apple or the whole, based on preference. Arrange the slices in clusters on top of the kale.
- Add Pomegranate: Carefully remove 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds from the fruit and sprinkle evenly over the salad.
- Finish with Pepitas and Serve: Sprinkle the cooled, toasted pepitas atop the salad just before serving to maintain their crunch. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Massaging the kale is crucial for a tender texture and better absorption of dressing.
- Toasting pepitas enhances their nutty flavor and adds crunch to the salad.
- You can substitute pepitas with other nuts like walnuts or almonds as desired.
- Adjust the amount of apple according to your sweetness preference.
- The salad is best served fresh but can be prepped a few hours ahead with pepitas added at serving time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: kale salad, crunchy salad, toasted pepitas, pomegranate salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad
