Description
This Healthy Christmas Side Dish features a vibrant kale and persimmon salad, accented with creamy goat cheese, crunchy almonds and pepitas, all tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing, nutritious, and colorful accompaniment perfect for your festive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 1 head Lacinato kale
- 3 Fuyu persimmons
- 1 Red Anjou pear
Toppings
- 3 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons pepitas
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the kale: Remove the kale leaves from the stems. Roll a few leaves together and slice into very thin, long strips. Place the shredded kale in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and massage it into the kale until the leaves soften. Let it rest while preparing the rest of the salad.
- Slice the fruit: Slice the persimmons into 1/8 inch slices and then quarter those slices. Cut the pear into smaller bite-sized pieces.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the persimmons, pear, crumbled goat cheese, slivered almonds, and pepitas to the massaged kale in the bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, red wine vinegar, sea salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
- Toss salad: Pour the dressing over the kale salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a large serving platter or bowl and serve immediately as a fresh, healthy Christmas side dish.
Notes
- Massaging the kale softens it and reduces bitterness, making the salad more enjoyable.
- For added crunch, you can lightly toast the slivered almonds and pepitas before adding.
- If you prefer, substitute goat cheese with feta or omit for a dairy-free option.
- This salad should be served fresh as the pears and persimmons can become soggy if left dressed too long.
- Red Anjou pears are chosen for their sweetness and texture, but you may substitute with Bartlett pears if unavailable.
