Winter Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Blue Cheese

kale salad with pomegranate and blue cheese in a bowl

Winter Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Blue Cheese

Winter Kale Salad loaded with crisp and light tuscan kale, sweet pomegranate, creamy blue cheese, and brown bread croutons tossed in a well-balanced maple apple cider vinaigrette.

Course Salads

Cuisine American

Keyword kale salad, salads for entertaining, tuscan kale, winter salad, winter salad with blue cheese

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings to 6 servings

Calories 516kcal

Author Lauren

Ingredients

6 cups lacinato kale 1 head chopped
½ cup pomegranate seeds
4 ounces blue cheese block cut in thin slices so it crumbles
4 cups brown bread croutons
maple apple cider vinaigrette

Brown Bread Croutons

1 small loaf sweet brown bread about 4 cups, cut in cubes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt

Maple Apple Cider Vinaigrette

¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons apple cider
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 clove garlic finely minced
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
optional ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

Make the croutons: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut or tear the brown bread into bite sized pieces. Toss with olive oil and spread into an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes until crispy.
Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, apple cider, dijon, garlic, salt and pepper. Slowly pour in olive oil while whisking quickly. Alternatively: Combine all ingredients in a mason jar, cover tightly and shake vigorously until blended. Set aside.
Assemble the salad: Remove the bottom ¼ to ⅓ of the kale leaves. Chop the kale in ½-inch to 1-inch strips, wash and dry. In a large bowl, toss the kale and croutons with ¾ of the salad dressing. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with pomegranate seeds and blue cheese.

Notes

The kale holds up great to the dressing and can sit dressed for a while. If making ahead with the dressing, wait to add the croutons until serving.
When shopping for brown bread, I use the Cheesecake Factory loaves they sell in the grocery store or you can make your own brown bread with this recipe.

Nutrition