KALE SALAD WITH POMEGRANATE SEEDS

After all of the holiday dining my family has indulged in for the last week, we were all craving something green. A simple spinach salad would have done the trick, but I thought kale, which has even greater nutritional properties than spinach, seemed more festive and fun. This salad is definitely simple, but the crunch and sweetness of the pomegranate seeds complements the bitter and relatively tough greens really nicely! The best part is that because kale is so tough, if there are any leftovers, you can eat them the next day and the leaves won't be wilted.

kale salad with pomegranate seeds

10 ounces fresh kale

seeds from one pomegranate

1 cucumber, sliced
1 avocado, diced
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon honey
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

In the bowl you will be serving the salad in, massage the kale between your fingers. This will help break down the tough, bitter fibers and turn the kale into a silky, sweet leaf. Toss with the pomegranate seeds, sliced cucumber, avocado, and grated parmesan cheese. In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, honey, and olive oil. Stir quickly with a fork to combine, then pour over the greens. Toss and serve!