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Overhead view of Christmas salad with massaged kale, arugula, Brussels sprouts, roasted sweet potatoe chunks and pomegranate seeds in a round serving bowl.

Christmas Salad

This Christmas Salad is full of festive colors, delicious flavor and perfect for your holiday table! Made with massaged kale, arugula, shaved Brussels sprouts, roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy pecans and pomegranate arils with a homemade vinaigrette. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and easily low, carb, keto, paleo and Whole30 compliant.

Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword christmas salad, kale, kale salad, low carb recipe, paleo, paleo thanksgiving side dish, thanksgiving salad, whole30, winter salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 495 kcal
Author Kelly

Ingredients

For the dressing:

  • 1/2 cup avocado oil OR extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider
  • 1 teaspoon good quality grainy mustard or Dijon mustard
  • 1.5 tablespoons maple syrup OR Lakanto maple syrup for low carb OR orange juice for Whole30
  • fine sea salt + freshly cracked black pepper , to taste

For the salad:

  • 1 large sweet potato , peeled and chopped into 1 inch cubes. For low carb or keto, sub with roasted pumpkin or any roasted vegetable of choice
  • 5 oz kale , stems removed and finely chopped (5–6 cups)
  • 1 cup arugula , (or 2 handfuls)
  • 4 oz  red cabbage
  • 10 oz Brussels sprouts , washed, dried and ends trimmed
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans , roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1/4 avocado , cubed

OPTIONAL:

  • 4 oz vegan feta , for garnish - regular feta or goat cheese works too if not dairy-free

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Peel and cut sweet potato into 1 inch chunks. Drizzle in oil, salt and pepper and roast for 20-25 minutes until soft and tender. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and set aside.

    Cubed roasted sweet potatoes on a rectangle baking sheet

Make the dressing:

  1. Add the dressing ingredients to a bowl or a jar. Whisk or shake until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings.

    Overhead view of lemon vinaigrette in a measuring cup with a whisk

For the salad:

  1. PREP & ASSEMBLE GREENS: Remove and discard the hearty stems and tear or chop the kale leaves into thin pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with a little bit of dressing and use your hands to massage until the leaves start to soften and wilt.

    Top view of chopped kale in a white bowl on a grey background
  2. Remove any loose leaves on the Brussels sprouts. Use a sharp knif to cut the into thin slices. You can also use a mandolin or a food processor with the slicing attachment and pulse until the brussels sprouts are thinly sliced. 

    Add to the bowl along with the arugula and sliced cabbage. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.

    Top view of shaved brussels sprouts for brussels sprouts salad in a white bowl on a grey background
  3. DIVIDE: Place all the greens in a large serving bowl or divide the salad into bowls.

    Overhead view of massaged kale, arugula and shaved Brussels sprouts in a round serving bowl.
  4. Arrange the roasted sweet potatoes on top. Sprinkle with pecans, pomegranate arils and feta, if using

  5. Once you’re ready to serve, drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad, toss, and serve immediately.

    Overhead view of holiday salad with massaged kale, arugula, Brussels sprouts, roasted sweet potatoe chunks, pomegranate seeds and vegan feta in a round serving bowl with two serving spoons.

Recipe Notes

How to make ahead

You can prep the kale, Brussels sprouts and cabbage ahead of time and store it in a resealable bag or container for up to 4 days.

How to store 

Store this salad in an airtight container in the  fridge for about 1-3 days.

Nutrition Facts
Christmas Salad
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 495 Calories from Fat 315
% Daily Value*
Fat 35g54%
Carbohydrates 35g12%
Fiber 8g32%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 7g14%
* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.