Description
A vibrant and nutritious winter salad featuring thinly sliced red cabbage, kale, grated carrot, and jewel-like pomegranate seeds, dressed with a tangy and slightly sweet pomegranate molasses vinaigrette. Perfectly balanced with a hint of Dijon mustard and lemon juice, this salad is both refreshing and packed with vitamins, ideal for a healthy seasonal side or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1/4 head of red or white cabbage
- 1 carrot
- 4 kale leaves
- 1/2 shallot or 1/4 red onion
- 1/4 pomegranate, seeds only
Dressing
- 1/2 lemon (juice only)
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the cabbage and shallot. Grate the carrot and chop the kale leaves after removing the tough rib to ensure easier chewing and better texture.
- Massage the kale: Use your hands to massage the kale leaves until they soften, which helps reduce bitterness and improves the salad’s tenderness. Transfer to a large salad bowl along with the sliced cabbage, grated carrot, shallot, and pomegranate seeds.
- Make the dressing: In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and salt. Shake or whisk well until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat every component evenly with the tangy dressing.
- Serve: Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch, or chill the salad for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen before serving.
Notes
- Massaging the kale softens its texture and reduces bitterness.
- Using pomegranate molasses adds a sweet and tangy depth to the dressing, but you can substitute with balsamic vinegar if unavailable.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be chilled briefly to enhance flavor melding.
- Adjust salt to taste, as pomegranate molasses and Dijon mustard already contribute some saltiness.
- For added crunch, consider topping with toasted nuts or seeds.
