This Winter Pomegranate Salad is a vibrant and festive dish perfect for the holiday season. Packed with crisp apples, juicy oranges, tart pomegranate seeds, and creamy feta, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, it’s an irresistible side dish that comes together in just 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Beautiful: A show-stopping salad that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 10 minutes with minimal prep work.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Versatile: Pairs well with any main course, from roasted turkey to vegetarian dishes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 10 ounces spring mix salad greens
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 small apples, thinly sliced
- 2 baby mandarin oranges, peeled
- 1 large pomegranate, seeded
- 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Arrange the spring mix, baby spinach, apple slices, mandarin slices, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and feta cheese in a large serving bowl.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free: Replace walnuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan feta or omit the cheese altogether.
- Fruit Swaps: Substitute apples with pears or mandarin oranges with blood oranges for a seasonal twist.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier salad.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Keep the dressing in a separate container.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold; no reheating is required.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the salad without the dressing and store it in the fridge. Add the dressing just before serving.
2. What’s the easiest way to seed a pomegranate?
Cut the pomegranate in half, hold it over a bowl, and tap the back with a spoon to release the seeds.
3. Can I use pre-packaged salad greens?
Absolutely! Pre-packaged greens save time and work perfectly for this recipe.
4. Is Dijon mustard necessary for the dressing?
No, but it adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
5. What type of apples work best?
Crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are ideal.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, goat cheese or blue cheese are excellent substitutes for feta.
7. What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?
Lemon juice, red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar work well.
8. How can I make the salad extra crunchy?
Add roasted chickpeas or croutons for additional crunch.
9. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your dressing ingredients are free from gluten.
10. Can I use frozen pomegranate seeds?
Yes, but thaw them first and pat them dry before adding to the salad.
Conclusion
This Winter Pomegranate Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it the perfect addition to any festive table. With its jewel-like pomegranate seeds and tangy balsamic dressing, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Try it for your next holiday gathering or as a refreshing side to any meal!
Print
Winter Pomegranate Salad dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Winter Pomegranate Salad is a festive and refreshing dish perfect for the holiday table. Packed with vibrant pomegranate seeds, crisp apples, juicy oranges, and creamy feta, it’s all tossed in a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Ready in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients
Salad
- 10 ounces spring mix salad greens
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 small apples, thinly sliced
- 2 baby mandarin oranges, peeled
- 1 large pomegranate, seeded
- 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large serving bowl, layer the spring mix, baby spinach, apple slices, mandarin slices, pomegranate seeds, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store the salad undressed in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. Keep the dressing in a separate jar in the refrigerator.
- Optional Add-Ins: Add cranberries or candied pecans for extra sweetness, or substitute goat cheese for feta if preferred.
- Customizations: Use pears instead of apples, or arugula in place of spinach for a peppery twist.
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