Kale and Pomegranate Bowl (Printable)

Vibrant mix of kale, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and crisp apple with tangy dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Greens

01 - 4 cups kale leaves, stems removed and chopped

→ Fruits

02 - 1 medium apple, cored and thinly sliced
03 - 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

→ Nuts

04 - 1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

→ Dressing

05 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until the leaves become tender and slightly darker.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
03 - Add the sliced apple, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts to the kale.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
05 - Serve immediately, or let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The kale actually tastes good here—massaging it transforms it from tough to tender in a way that feels like magic.
  • You get that rare combination of crispy, juicy, nutty, and tart all in one bite without any cooking required.
  • It comes together in 15 minutes but looks like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
02 -
  • Massage that kale like you mean it—it's the difference between eating something chewy and eating something that actually feels good in your mouth.
  • Don't dress it more than 15 minutes ahead unless you like a wilted salad; the kale can handle time, but the apple can't.
03 -
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the dressing separate and assemble everything five minutes before serving—the kale can handle it, but the apple and pomegranate stay crispest and juiciest when they meet the oil at the last second.
  • Dijon mustard is the secret ingredient that nobody talks about—it acts as an emulsifier and adds a savory depth that makes people ask what's in your dressing.
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