Description
This Healthy Christmas Side Dish features a vibrant kale salad tossed with sweet Fuyu persimmons and crisp Red Anjou pears, complemented by creamy goat cheese, crunchy almonds, and pepitas. Dressed in a simple red wine vinaigrette, this salad is a refreshing, nutrient-packed addition to your holiday table that balances sweetness, tang, and texture perfectly.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 1 head Lacinato kale
- 3 Fuyu persimmons
- 1 Red Anjou pear
Dairy
- 3 ounces crumbled goat cheese
Nuts & Seeds
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons pepitas
Pantry
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the kale: Remove the kale leaves from the stem. Roll a few leaves together and cut them into very thin, long strips. Place the slivered kale in a mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and massage it into the kale to soften the leaves. Let the kale rest while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- Slice the fruit: Slice the persimmons into 1/8 inch slices, then quarter those slices. Cut the pear into smaller bite-sized pieces.
- Combine ingredients: Add the persimmons, pear, crumbled goat cheese, slivered almonds, and pepitas to the bowl with the massaged kale. Toss gently to begin mixing the salad components.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, red wine vinegar, sea salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the dressing over the kale salad and toss everything thoroughly to ensure even coating and flavor distribution.
- Serve: Plate the dressed kale salad on a large serving platter and serve immediately.
Notes
- Massaging kale softens its tough texture and reduces bitterness, making it more enjoyable in salads.
- If persimmons are not in season, substitute with crisp apples or dried cranberries for a similar sweet note.
- For a nut-free version, omit almonds and pepitas or replace with roasted chickpeas.
- This salad is best served fresh to keep the textures crisp and vibrant.
- Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or vinegar to taste as desired.
