My kale winter salad is the perfect healthy side dish for warm, hearty meals. Let’s make this tasty salad within minutes and make our food healthier.

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Who says your winter meals can’t be both effortless and spectacular? My kale winter salad is here to sweep you off your feet with its easy prep and robust flavors. It’s the perfect antidote to those busy days when you want something nourishing yet quick to assemble. It just happens to be stunning enough to make an appearance as a Christmas salad, too!

Some seasonal vegetables will give a dish ready that graces your table. It’s more like a celebration of seasonal produce that brings joy to your holiday meals. Let’s make this crunchy and satisfying salad that can pair with all your meals in colder months.

Reasons This is My Fave Winter Salad (And Will Be Yours Too)

Harvest season is the perfect reason to have yummy sides. I love salads in all seasons, and here are a few reasons I prefer this one when it’s chilly outside:

I love that it starts with curly kale, which holds up well and never feels soggy. I put everything in a large bowl, toss it quickly, and serve without stress. It is even fine to eat the next day–the kale is hearty and holds up well.
This recipe fits right on my holiday table because it feels comforting without weighing me down. I count on it as a side salad that balances heavier dishes.
The flavors pop with juicy pomegranate seeds as they bring sweetness and freshness. They add color and give each bite a bright taste.
I sometimes add a bit of feta cheese for creamy richness and it subs perfectly for the goat cheese which is mentioned in the original recipe.
This salad offers an amazing source of vitamin content, which helps me stay on track with my nutrition goals.
It works well for meal prep. You can even toss it with the dressing ahead of time and it is perfect for a few days! If you want to make it a full meal, add another protein source and it will be perfectly filling.

Ingredients Needed for the Perfect Winter Salad

This gorgeous salad is often on my menu because it’s a no-fuss recipe. You only need some seasonal ingredients and a creamy dressing to enjoy a good salad in the winter months. Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy winter salad:

For the salad:

Finely chopped kale: This is our greens base that keeps the greens firm and fresh (try baby kale if you prefer a softer texture). I use curly kale, but lacinato kale will work, also.
Pomegranate arils: Use them for bright sweetness and a pop of color, coming straight from a whole pomegranate for the best flavor. Did I mention they’re also chock full of powerful antioxidants AND have been shown to help balance hormones?
Diced apple: For natural crispness, swapping in a fresh pear works well too.
Diced small cucumber: For that refreshing salad-ey crunch we all love.
Garbanzo beans: Toss in some plant-based protein.
Crumbled goat cheese: This cheese gives a creamy, tangy element that balances the sweetness of fruit and the heartiness of beans.
Walnut pieces: They add a toasty flavor, but if you prefer something else, swap in pine nuts or crunchy pecans. I like walnuts especially for their omega 3 content.
Salt and pepper: Important for seasoning our salad.

For the dressing:

Olive oil: For a smooth base, and it’s also a heart-healthy fat.
Lemon juice: To elevate the flavors and give a nice tangy flavor to the dressing.
Honey: Honey balances the flavors in the dressing.
Dijon mustard: If you don’t love mustard, you can keep this out, but it’s a nice little addition if you do.

What Swaps Can You Try With This Salad Recipe?

Here are some of the variations you can try with this salad:

If you want to switch up the flavors, pour some balsamic dressing and a pinch of salt over the winter kale salad ingredients. Doing so keeps the flavor simple and a little different.
Add some shaved red onion to the salad. I don’t because my family doesn’t like it as much, but it will fit well.
For more richness, I mash a bit of creamy avocado and whisk it, using a mason jar to shake the dressing until smooth.
For a sweet-tangy twist, we can add a squeeze of citrus, like juice from blood oranges or a spoonful of something fruity. If I crave more texture, I toss in sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, which also add a gentle crunch.
You can also swap kale for thinly shaved Brussels sprouts for a different crunch.
I also toss in dried cranberries, sliced apples, or other fruits if I lack pears or pomegranates.
Serve it alongside a roasted dish at Thanksgiving dinner, or pair it with other delicious salads for a fuller spread.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes. Hearty kale leaves let you dress the salad ahead of time without it becoming soggy. Simply prepare the salad, cover it, and refrigerate. Toss in any crunchy toppings like nuts right before serving to maintain their texture.

What are the best substitutes for pomegranate in this salad?

Dried cranberries, more chopped fresh apples, or orange segments make excellent substitutes for pomegranate. These alternatives provide a similar burst of sweetness and color.

How can I make this salad more filling?

You can add a protein source such as grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a hard-boiled egg. For a plant-based option, extra garbanzo beans or quinoa are excellent choices that add both protein and fiber, enhancing the salad’s satiety level.

How to Make Winter Kale Salad

Place the kale , pomegranate arils, apple, cucumber, and garbanzo beans in a medium bowl. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl or jar, place the dressing ingredients and top with a lid and shake or whisk until the ingredients are combined. Drizzle the dressing on the salad ingredients and toss again to combine.
Top with the goat cheese and walnuts and serve. Enjoy!

This is the best kale salad I’ve had in a long time! I do love kale salads–scroll below the recipe card to find more delicious recipes.

If you try this winter kale salad recipe, or any of my healthy recipes, please leave a star rating below! It’s so helpful for other readers to see which recipes are tried and true! I’d also love to see it–share your photo of this dish and tag me on Instagram and I’ll feature you! I appreciate you.