We have a confession: We judge salads by how they taste AND how they look. Sure, it’s not fair to salads that taste superb but don’t look as sparkly and appetizing as some other salads — and, yes, you can accuse us of judging a salad by its cover. But take a look at this beauty! Better yet, give it a taste. Our Pear & Kale Salad is a stunner and it’s got all the flavor and texture to back it up.

Let’s start with taste. The massaged kale is soft with no hint of bitterness, and the fresh arugula is peppery and lightly crunchy, which plays well on the palate with the softened kale. The almonds and sunflower seeds add a nutty, salty crunch, and the Manchego adds a bit of creaminess while the vinaigrette is mellow and citrusy. The pear is juicy and sweet and the pomegranate adds a pop of flavor and texture. If you’re reading this and thinking, wow, there’s A LOT going on in this salad, you’re right — and it works. Each individual element is even better together.

And we’d be remiss not to dwell on the salad’s beauty, if only for a moment. With its bright emerald greens, electric reds and snowy whites, it’s a perfect salad for deep midwinter. It adds color and cheer to the cold, dark days and it’s a particularly fitting salad for January, when New Year’s resolutions to eat right kick into high gear. This salad is brimming with nutrient-dense superfoods, without tasting like it’s trying to teach a health class.