Holiday Pear & Kale Salad

With a bright, lemony dressing and dazzling superfood colors, textures, and flavors, this fresh holiday pear and kale salad will be a feast for the eyes and a party in your mouth.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Serves: 4-6

Chef Notes: If you dislike kale, substitute other salad greens you enjoy, and skip the massage step in the instructions.

Dressing:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (1 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salad:

• 6 cups torn kale leaves
• ¼ cup baby arugula
• 2 USA pears, sliced
• ¼ cup honey-glazed sliced almonds (or nuts of your choice)
• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
• 2 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds
• Shards of Manchego cheese

Directions:

1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a screw top lid; shake to blend. 
2. Place kale in a large bowl. Drizzle kale with a tablespoon or two of the dressing.
3. Massage the kale with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes or until it becomes tender and deeper green in color. 
4. Pour the remaining dressing into a small serving bowl and place in the center of a large round serving plate. 
5. Arrange kale around the bowl on the plate, forming a wreath. 
6. Top with arugula, sliced pears, almonds, pomegranate seeds, and cheese. 
7. Spoon dressing over salad just before serving.