Jeweltoned Pomegranate Arugula Salad
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a salad that's more than just rabbit food? This pomegranate salad is it. Honestly, have you ever seen something so pretty you almost didn't want to eat it? Almost.
This salad is fresh, fruity, and bursting with flavor. It is the perfect salad side dish.
Brief Overview
This vibrant Mediterranean salad recipe is packed with flavor. It features peppery arugula and jewel like pomegranate seeds. Add creamy goat cheese and crunchy pistachios.
A pistachio vinaigrette recipe ties it all together. The salad is incredibly easy, taking only around 25 minutes from start to finish.
It's the perfect easy salad recipe for 4 people.
Main Benefits
This pomegranate arugula salad is not just delicious. It's also packed with antioxidants. The pomegranate seeds will give you a boost.
Serve it as a delightful festive holiday salad or side dish. This salad is special because it is a burst of freshness in every bite.
The textures and flavors are perfectly balanced. The salad with pomegranate seeds is incredibly satisfying. Plus, the homemade arugula salad dressing is divine.
We love making winter salad recipes with fruits and nuts for that added crunch and sweetness.
This Goat cheese pomegranate salad is the perfect way to show off at your next dinner party. Who knows you might even make a new friend after such treat!
Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, let's get cracking on this Jewel Toned Pomegranate & Arugula Salad recipe! It is amazing. It is a celebration of freshness, with it's Mediterranean Vibe.
It really is an easy salad recipe to whip up.
Main Ingredients
- Arugula (rocket): 5 oz (140g) . Get fresh, peppery arugula for the best bite.
- Pomegranate seeds: 1 cup (170g) , from about 1 large pomegranate.
- Goat cheese: 4 oz (113g) , crumbled. Chevre is wonderful!
- Shelled pistachios: ½ cup (57g) , roughly chopped. Toast them if you like.
- Red onion (optional): 1/4 cup , thinly sliced. Soak in ice water!
For the Pistachio Vinaigrette Recipe:
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons (45ml) . Good quality makes a difference.
- Balsamic vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Fresh lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Shelled pistachios, finely chopped: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Honey: 1 teaspoon . Maple syrup works too!
- Dijon mustard: ½ teaspoon .
- Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon .
- Black pepper: ⅛ teaspoon .
This goat cheese pomegranate salad has such an interesting blend of flavors. Honestly, pomegranate arugula salad is always a winner.
Seasoning Notes
The pistachio vinaigrette is key! It is an essential pistachio vinaigrette recipe , with the balsamic, lemon, honey, and Dijon.
It is what makes this salad sing. For a flavor enhancer, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds some heat.
If you are missing balsamic, use red wine vinegar instead.
Equipment Needed
You don't need much!
- Large salad bowl.
- Small bowl for vinaigrette.
- Whisk.
- Chopping board.
- Knife.
Toasting nuts? Use a small skillet or toaster oven. Seriously, this is an easy salad recipe perfect as a salad side dish
I always think of this salad when winter salad recipes pop up. It's the perfect festive holiday salad , don't you think? The ruby red salad with pomegranate seeds just screams Christmas!
Jewel Toned Pomegranate & Arugula Salad: Let's Do This!
Honestly, this pomegranate salad is one of my favourite things to whip up when I want something fresh and easy.
It's not fussy. Plus, it looks amazing on the table. I always think of it as a little taste of sunshine, even in the middle of a dull British winter.
Plus, it has a bit of a Mediterranean vibe, so makes me think I'm actually on holiday.
This easy salad recipe is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish. You could serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, or even as a starter for a festive holiday meal.
You know? It's versatile like that.
Prep Time: Easy Breezy
Essential Mise en Place
First, get your ingredients sorted. It makes things so much smoother. Wash and dry your arugula . Crumble your goat cheese (or feta, if you're feeling extra Mediterranean ). Chop those pistachios.
Time Saving Tips: You can buy pomegranate seeds pre-done! Talk about a time saver.
Safety First: Watch your fingers when chopping. Seriously, nobody wants a trip to A&E.
Get Your Salad On: step-by-step
- Wash and dry 5 oz of arugula .
- Crumble 4 oz of goat cheese.
- Roughly chop ½ cup of pistachios. Toast them for 3- 5 minutes if you want extra flavour.
- Extract 1 cup of pomegranate seeds . Smack the back of the pomegranate half with a wooden spoon!
- Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine arugula, pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, and pistachios in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with the pistachio vinaigrette recipe and toss gently.
Doneness Check: It's a salad. It's done when it's mixed!
Temperature: No cooking needed... unless you toast your pistachios. Then aim for fragrant, but not burnt!
Pro Salad Tips
Don't Overdress: Nobody likes a soggy salad. Start with a little dressing and add more as needed.
Common Mistake: Buying pre-crumbled goat cheese. It's often drier. Get a log and crumble it yourself for the best texture.
make-ahead: Prep all the ingredients and store separately. Dress just before serving to avoid wilted arugula. This goat cheese pomegranate salad is amazing when served fresh.
Right then, get on with it! Your tastebuds will thank you for this winter salad recipes delight. This jewel toned pomegranate arugula salad is a sure crowd pleaser.
It's not just another salad side dish it is festive holiday salad . Seriously, give it a go.
Recipe Notes: Your Pomegranate Salad Journey
Right then, you've got the recipe for this cracking pomegranate salad . But, just like a good cuppa needs a biscuit, a recipe needs a few extra notes to make it truly yours.
So, let's dive into some tips and tricks that'll elevate your pomegranate arugula salad game!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Honestly, presentation matters. This easy salad recipe deserves to look as good as it tastes! Think about arranging the arugula in a nice bed, sprinkling the pomegranate seeds like precious jewels, and artfully crumbling that goat cheese.
For a dinner party, serve it on individual plates, or for a more relaxed vibe, pop it in a big bowl for everyone to dig in.
It goes brilliantly with grilled chicken, some crusty bread, or even as part of a bigger mezze spread, giving proper Mediterranean salad recipe vibes.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Real
A salad with pomegranate seeds is best served fresh. However, life happens, doesn't it? If you need to store it, keep the dressing separate.
Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the arugula from going soggy. The undressed salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
The pistachio vinaigrette recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations: Make It Your Own!
Fancy a change? No problem! For a festive holiday salad , try adding some orange segments or dried cranberries. If you're avoiding dairy, swap the goat cheese for a plant based alternative or just leave it out.
And if you're not keen on arugula, spinach or mixed greens work just as well. This recipe is super adaptable to suit your taste and dietary needs! Fancy a goat cheese pomegranate salad , add more.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This pomegranate salad isn't just tasty; it's good for you too! It's packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Arugula is a great source of vitamin K and folate.
Pomegranate seeds are bursting with antioxidants. And the pistachio vinaigrette recipe provides healthy fats and a dose of flavour. Each serving offers roughly 300 calories.
I'd say this is also an awesome salad side dish , especially during the colder months when you need an extra boost of freshness! Plus, that makes it a lovely winter salad recipes .
So there you have it! Some extra tips and tricks to help you create the perfect pomegranate salad . Now, go on, give it a go, and don't be afraid to experiment.
You'll be amazed at how easy it is to create a delicious and impressive salad that everyone will love! What about the arugula salad dressing , well that should be sweet, tangy and bring a zing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pomegranate salad ahead of time? Will the arugula get soggy?
You can definitely prep the ingredients in advance! Chop the veggies, crumble the cheese, and make the vinaigrette separately. Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge. Just before serving, toss it all together. This prevents the arugula from becoming a sad, soggy mess nobody wants that!
I'm not a fan of goat cheese. What else can I use in this pomegranate salad?
No worries, cheese preferences are like marmite you either love it or hate it! Feta cheese is a fantastic alternative, offering a similar salty, tangy flavor. If you're after something milder, try mozzarella pearls or even some crumbled halloumi. For a vegan option, try a plant based feta alternative.
Help! Getting pomegranate seeds out is a nightmare. Is there an easier way to deseed a pomegranate for this salad?
Absolutely! The wooden spoon method is your best bet here. Cut the pomegranate in half, hold it cut-side down over a bowl, and give the back of it a good whack with a wooden spoon. The seeds should pop right out.
Alternatively, submerge the halved pomegranate in a bowl of water and remove the seeds underwater; this prevents juice from splattering everywhere.
What can I substitute if I don't have pistachios for the vinaigrette or the pomegranate salad itself?
No pistachios? No problem! Walnuts or pecans offer a similar nutty crunch and would work beautifully as a substitute. For the vinaigrette, you could even try using a small amount of toasted pumpkin seeds for a different, but still delicious, flavor profile. Just remember to chop them finely!
How long will leftover pomegranate salad keep, and how should I store it?
Leftovers are great for lunch the next day! Store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the arugula may wilt slightly, so it's best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
If possible, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness.
Jeweltoned Pomegranate Arugula Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 300 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 4g |
