Festive Autumn Kale Salad with Apples, Pomegranate, Pistachios, and Goat Cheese
This wonderful autumn kale salad is made with massaged kale, apples, toasted pistachios, and goat cheese topped with pomegranate seeds.
Servings 2
Calories 219kcal
Ingredients
- For massaged kale:
- a bunch of kale
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- juice of one lemon
- salt to taste
- For Toasting Pistachios:
- 20 pistachio nuts chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 small red apple sliced
- 1 small green apple sliced
- 1-2 tablespoons goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
- season with salt and pepper
Instructions
- Massage the kale: Wash kale and remove the leaves from the stems.a bunch of kale
- Wash the leaves again, and place them in a large bowl. Add oil, lemon juice, and salt. Then as if you were kneading dough, start massaging those leaves. After about 2 minutes you will actually feel their tough structure breaking down. Continue to massage, rubbing the leaves together and tearing them apart. You'll notice the leaves turning a deeper green. The volume will shrink to about half, too.1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, juice of one lemon, salt to taste
- After 5 minutes, taste the kale. When you find the once bitter taste has been transformed to a lightly sweet and nutty taste, your kale is ready.
- Toast Pistachios: Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it bubbles and begins to brown. Turn off the flame and add garlic and pistachios. Stir well to coat the pistachios until slightly toasted.2 tablespoons butter, 1 garlic clove, 20 pistachio nuts
- Toss kale with your toasted pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and apple slices. Top with goat cheese and serve.1 small red apple, 1 small green apple, 1-2 tablespoons goat cheese, 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds, season with salt and pepper
Notes
What type of kale is best for this salad? Today, I have curly kale. I have also used Lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale) or sweet red Russian kale from my garden. They all work well for this salad. Remove the tough stems and massage the leaves for a tender texture.
Can I use other greens instead of kale? Certainly, you can substitute it with spinach, arugula, or mixed greens if you prefer a different leafy base.
What apples are best for this salad? Today, I selected both a green apple and a red apple. Feel free to choose your preferred apple variety.
Can I make this salad in advance for a gathering? Yes, you can prepare the components separately and assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Nutrition
Calories: 219kcal
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