Christmas Salad

Time :18

Yield :8 servings

Recipe Background

When the season's this festive and fun, you don't want to start your meal off with a bland salad! Christmas Salad literally has holiday cheer in every bite, with crunchy, homemade candied pecans and fresh citrus flavors that taste like sunshine on a cold day. Even the dressing is dressed for the occasion, with plenty of brightness and tang to make this salad the best part of the meal! Christmas Salad is a colorful addition to your holiday spread that will catch the eye and, with just a bite, your heart.

Ingredients

For the pecans:

3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup pecans whole or large pieces
1 tablespoon water plus more as needed

For the dressing:

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
juice from 1 large orange
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon orange zest

For the salad:

6 cups kale chopped in small pieces, with thick stems removed
2 oranges peeled and chopped
1/2 cup blue cheese
1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds

Directions

In a small frying pan on the stove-top over medium heat combine the brown sugar, pecans, and water. Add water as needed to coat the pecans in sugar.
Cook the pecans until the sugar mixture is thickened and the pecans are toasted, for about 2-3 minutes.
Transfer the pecans to a parchment-paper-lined plate to cool.
Combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, black pepper, and orange zest, whisking them together into the dressing.
Place the kale into a large salad bowl.
Top with the candied pecans, oranges, blue cheese, and pomegranate seeds, tossing to combine.
Top with the dressing and toss to combine.
Serve!