Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Kale, and Pomegranate Salad

Ingredients:

For the salad:

  • 1 lb brussel sprouts, shaved or very thinly sliced

  • ½ bunch purple kale (aka lacinato/dinosaur kale), ribs removed, very thinly sliced

  • Seeds (arils) from 1 whole pomegranate (pro tip below)

  • ½ cup roasted, salted pistachios, roughly chopped

  • 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled (goat cheese works too)

  • Kosher salt + freshly ground black pepper, to taste

    For the Orange Vinaigrette:

  • Juice of 1 large orange (about ¼ cup)

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 small shallot, very finely minced

  • ⅓ cup good extra-virgin olive oil

  • Salt + pepper, to taste

    Instructions:

  • Prep the greens

    Throw the shaved brussel sprouts and sliced kale into your biggest bowl. Hit it with a generous pinch of kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper. This is your canvas.

  • Add the goodies

    Toss in the pomegranate seeds, chopped pistachios, and crumbled feta. Try not to eat half of it straight from the bowl. (I always fail this step.)

  • Make the magic dressing

    In a medium bowl or mason jar, whisk together the orange juice, honey, Dijon, and minced shallot. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking like you mean it until the dressing is creamy and emulsified. Taste and season with salt and pepper — it should be bright, tangy, and just sweet enough to balance the earthy greens.

  • Dress & massage(the secret step)

    Pour about half the vinaigrette over the salad. Now get in there with clean hands and gently massage the dressing into the kale and brussel sprouts for 30–60 seconds. This softens everything just enough and makes the flavors explode. Add more dressing to your liking — I usually end up using about ¾ of it. Save the rest for tomorrow’s lunch (it’s incredible on roasted veggies or grilled chicken).

  • Let it chill** (optional but encouraged)

    This salad is excellent right away, but if you have 30–60 minutes, cover and let it hang out, the flavors get even friendlier.

  • Serve & bask in the compliments

    Transfer to a pretty platter, scatter a few extra pomegranate seeds and pistachios on top for that influencer moment, and watch your relatives fight over the last spoonful.

    Tips

  • Shaving brussel sprouts fast: Trim the ends, cut them in half, and run them through the slicing blade of your food processor. 30 seconds and you’re done.

  • Pomegranate hack: Cut the pom in half, hold it cut-side down over a bowl, and whack the back with a wooden spoon. Seeds rain out.

  • Make-ahead queen: Assemble everything (undressed) up to 1 day ahead. Dress 30–60 minutes before serving.