Pomegranate Apple Kale Salad (video)

a large bowl of kale salad with pomegranate and apples, on a table

This incredible kale salad has been a family favorite for years! Easy pomegranate apple kale salad with diced apples, shallots, broccoli, pecans, pomegranate arils, and a homemade vinaigrette dressing. It’s crunchy, crispy, zesty, and refreshing. This apple salad pairs very well with roasted turkey, roasted chicken, or even roasted duck! A great option for the holiday season!

Watch My Kale Salad Video Tutorials

Watch my YouTube apple kale salad video tutorial and reel for step-by-step instructions. The new reel also features the dressing recipe! Want to stay up to date on the newest recipes? Subscribe to my website email list and my YouTube channel for notifications.

Ingredients for Apple Kale Salad

Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to make this easy and delicious apple kale salad. Find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card below.

  • Kale Lettuce – these firm and crispy greens make a fantastic base for this salad. Kale also holds up very well, even after being dressed, so you can enjoy this salad the next day, too.
  • Apples – just about any variety of apples will taste great in this recipe. I usually use Gala or Fiji apples.
  • Broccoli – regular broccoli or broccolini will both work well.
  • Pecans – try regular or candied pecans! Other nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, or walnuts will also work well.
  • Pomegranate Arils – these crunchy and fruity seeds make this salad extra festive!
  • Champagne Vinegar – I love this specific vinegar for making the salad dressing. Red wine vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice are great substitutes.
  • Olive Oil – use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best tasting dressing.

Supplies & Tools for the Recipe

Need some supplies or tools for the recipe? Shop my Amazon Affiliate links for the items I love and use in my kitchen. See Disclosure Statement.

a bowl of salad ingredients - kale, broccoli, apples, pecans, pomegranate - on a kitchen table

Easy Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe

I dress this apple kale salad with a bright and zesty champagne vinaigrette salad dressing. It pairs so well with the salad ingredients and tastes incredible!

  1. Pour the olive oil and champagne vinegar into a large measuring cup. Add in the maple syrup and Dijon mustard next.
  2. Season the dressing with salt, pepper, dried onion, dried thyme, and dried basil. Use a microplaner or zester to grate in the garlic cloves.
  3. Whisk everything together and set aside for later. You can store this dressing in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
a close up image of salad dressing in a glass jar, on a table with salad

Preparing Kale for Salad

The hardy and crispy texture of kale makes it a great choice for this delicious apple salad. You can use regular, green kale, or try using red or purple kale.

  1. Wash the kale first in cold water, then dry. Using a sharp knife, cut away the hard, fibrous core of each kale leaf.
  2. Cut larger kale leaves into strips, then use a knife to chop the kale into thin strips. Drop the kale into a large salad serving bowl. Use your hands to gently massage the kale leaves.

How to Make Apple Kale Salad

  1. Next, dice the apples into pea-sized pieces; no need to peel the apples unless you absolutely want to.
  2. Chop the broccoli crown into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the shallots and the pecans. Clean the pomegranate seeds.
  3. Add the diced apples, chopped broccoli, shallots, pecans, and pomegranate arils to the chopped kale.
a bowl of apple kale salad with pomegranate pieces, on a table

Serving & Storing Suggestions

Give the salad dressing a good whisk before pouring the dressing over the salad. Use two large salad spoons to toss the salad together. You can enjoy this salad right away, or keep it stored in the refrigerator.

Make-Ahead Instructions for Kale Salad

If you would like to make this apple kale salad ahead of time, simply prepare all the ingredients and place them into a salad bowl. Keep the salad dressing in a separate measuring cup.

Once you’re ready to serve and enjoy the salad, toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy!

a closeup image of apple and pomegranate kale salad on a table
a woman standing in a kitchen, holding a bowl of salad

More Recipes to Try!

Enjoyed this easy and delicious kale salad recipe? Check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to love!

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a large bowl of kale salad with pomegranate and apples, on a table
5 from 1 vote

Pomegranate Apple Kale Salad Recipe (video)

20 minutes prep + 0 minutes cook
10 cups
Easy apple kale salad recipe with pomegranate, broccoli, pecans, and zesty vinaigrette dressing! Great for the holidays and year-round!

Ingredients 

  • 1 large head of kale
  • 2 medium apples
  • 1 medium head of broccoli
  • 1 large pomegranate
  • 2 large shallots
  • 1/2 cup pecans

For Salad Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup champagne vinegar
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup, or honey
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp EACH: dried onion, dried basil, dried thyme

Instructions

Making Salad Dressing:

  • Pour the olive oil and champagne vinegar into a large measuring cup. Add in the maple syrup and Dijon mustard next.
  • Season the dressing with salt, pepper, dried onion, dried thyme, and dried basil. Use a microplaner or zester to grate the garlic cloves.
  • Whisk everything together and set aside for later. You can store this dressing in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Preparing the Salad:

  • Wash the kale first in cold water, then dry. Using a sharp knife, cut away the hard, fibrous core of each kale leaf.
  • Cut larger kale leaves into strips, then use a knife to chop the kale into thin strips. Drop the kale into a large salad serving bowl. Use your hands to gently massage the kale leaves.
  • Next, dice the apples into pea-sized pieces; no need to peel the apples unless you absolutely want to.
  • Chop the broccoli crown into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the shallots and the pecans. Clean the pomegranate seeds.
  • Add the diced apples, chopped broccoli, shallots, pecans, and pomegranate arils to the chopped kale.

Serving & Storing:

  • Give the salad dressing a good whisk before pouring the dressing over the salad. Use two large salad spoons to toss the salad together. You can enjoy this salad right away, or keep it stored in the refrigerator.
  • If you would like to make this apple kale salad ahead of time, simply prepare all the ingredients and place them into a salad bowl. Keep the salad dressing in a separate measuring cup. Once you’re ready to serve and enjoy the salad, toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup of salad | Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 163mg | Potassium: 393mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1706IU | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 1mg