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Test Kitchen Approved

Christmas Salad

Time: 18 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

About

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.

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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

Step 1 -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.

Step 2 -Cook the pecans until the sugar mixture is thickened and the pecans are toasted, for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3 -Transfer the pecans to a parchment-paper-lined plate to cool.

Step 4 -Combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, black pepper, and orange zest, whisking them together into the dressing.

Step 5 -Place the kale into a large salad bowl.

Step 6 -Top with the candied pecans, oranges, blue cheese, and pomegranate seeds, tossing to combine.

Step 7 -Top with the dressing and toss to combine.

Step 8 -Serve!

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