Festive Winter Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts Recipe

Crisp winter nights call for a vibrant winter pomegranate salad that bursts with unexpected flavor combinations.

Jewel-toned seeds sparkle against fresh greens like edible rubies.

Maple candied walnuts add a delightful crunch that makes every bite interesting.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across your palate with surprising harmony.

Seasonal ingredients bring warmth to cool evenings through clever pairings.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through contrasting textures and rich undertones.

You’ll want to savor this elegant dish that celebrates winter’s delicious possibilities.

Why Winter Pomegranate Salad Is A Bright, Crunchy Favorite

• Craft Gourmet Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy salad with professional-level techniques that elevate home cooking.
• Boost Nutrition Naturally: Packed with winter greens, pomegranate seeds, and protein-rich walnuts, this recipe delivers a powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants in every delightful bite.
• Create Texture Symphony: Experience a perfect culinary balance with crispy candied walnuts, creamy feta, juicy pomegranate seeds, and tender greens that dance together in harmonious flavor combinations.
• Impress Without Stress: Prepare an elegant dish that looks sophisticated yet requires minimal cooking skills, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or stunning dinner party appetizers.

Ingredients For Winter Pomegranate Salad With Walnuts

• Mixed Winter Greens: A hearty and fresh foundation for the winter salad.
• Pomegranate Seeds: Bright, jewel-like seeds that add a burst of sweet-tart flavor.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced onion that provides a sharp and crisp accent to the salad.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that offers a rich, salty contrast.

• Walnuts: Crunchy nuts transformed into a sweet and crispy topping.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that caramelizes the walnuts.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances the nutty flavor.
• Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the nuts' depth.

• Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar: Smooth base that creates a vibrant and well-balanced dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy undertone.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness to round out the dressing.
• Black Pepper: Offers a subtle heat and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

How To Assemble Winter Pomegranate Salad

Step 1: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F for roasting the walnuts.

Step 2: Coat Walnuts

• Maple syrup
• Cinnamon
• Sea salt

Ensure each walnut gets a generous, even layer of the sweet mixture.

Step 3: Roast Walnuts

Spread walnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.

Step 4: Cool Candied Walnuts

Remove walnuts from the oven and let them cool completely. During cooling, they’ll develop a crispy, glossy caramelized coating that adds crunch to the salad.

Step 5: Create Dressing

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Black pepper

Step 6: Combine Salad Ingredients

• Mixed winter greens
• Pomegranate seeds
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Thinly sliced red onion

Step 7: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss lightly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 8: Add Candied Walnuts

Sprinkle the maple candied walnuts on top of the salad just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sogginess.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salad immediately to savor the perfect combination of fresh greens, sweet-tangy dressing, and crunchy candied nuts.

Tips For A Colorful Winter Salad

• Roast Walnuts Carefully: Watch closely while baking to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown caramelized coating without scorching.
• Massage Greens Gently: Softly toss winter greens to prevent bruising and maintain their delicate texture and fresh appearance.
• Balance Flavors Strategically: Combine sweet pomegranate seeds, tangy feta, and sharp red onion for a complex, harmonious taste profile.
• Dress Just Before Serving: Add dressing right before eating to keep greens crisp and prevent wilting, ensuring a vibrant and fresh salad experience.
• Keep Walnuts Crunchy: Sprinkle maple candied walnuts at the last moment to preserve their satisfying crunch and prevent moisture absorption.

Creative Additions For Pomegranate Salad

• Citrus Berry Remix: Replace pomegranate seeds with mixed winter berries like raspberries and blueberries, creating a bright and tangy flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Garden: Swap mixed greens with fresh arugula, add chopped fresh basil and mint, and replace feta with crumbled goat cheese for an herbal Mediterranean touch.
• Autumn Harvest Edition: Substitute walnuts with pecans, add roasted butternut squash cubes, and incorporate dried cranberries for a hearty seasonal variation.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken strips or roasted chickpeas, increasing protein content while maintaining the original dressing and nut elements.

Best Pairings With Winter Pomegranate Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will beautifully complement the salad's bright pomegranate and tangy feta flavors, cutting through the richness of the maple candied walnuts.
• Create a Rustic Bread Side: Serve with a crusty sourdough or rosemary focaccia to add textural contrast and provide a delightful vehicle for soaking up the vibrant balsamic dressing.
• Match with Sparkling Water: Enhance the refreshing qualities of the winter salad by pairing with a citrus-infused sparkling water, which will cleanse the palate and highlight the salad's delicate flavors.

How To Store Winter Pomegranate Salad Properly

• Seal salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness, keeping dressing, greens, and candied walnuts in different compartments for up to 2 days.
• Store vinaigrette in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to stay fresh.
• Keep roasted walnuts in a dry, sealed container at room temperature for up to 1 week, preserving their crisp texture and caramelized coating.
• Avoid mixing salad ingredients until just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain optimal crunchiness and flavor profile.

Winter Pomegranate Salad FAQs

• How do maple candied walnuts enhance the salad's flavor?

The sweet-savory maple coating adds a delightful crunch and caramelized depth that transforms the winter salad from ordinary to extraordinary, providing a rich, nutty counterpoint to the tangy feta and fresh greens.

• Can I make the maple candied walnuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the walnuts up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature, which helps save time when assembling the salad.

• What makes the balsamic dressing special?

The dressing combines balsamic vinegar, honey, and dijon mustard to create a complex, balanced flavor that ties together the sweet walnuts, sharp feta, and crisp winter greens with a bright, tangy profile.

• Is this salad nutritionally balanced?

Winter Pomegranate Salad With Maple Candied Walnuts Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful winter pomegranate salad sparkles with jewel-toned arils and maple-glazed walnuts, offering a crisp symphony of seasonal flavors. Refreshing greens and tangy dressing create a perfect balance that will entice you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Salad Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed winter greens
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Maple Candied Walnuts:

• 1 cup raw walnuts
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for the candied walnuts.
2. Toss walnuts with maple syrup, cinnamon, and sea salt, ensuring each nut is evenly coated.
3. Spread walnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent burning.
4. Remove walnuts from oven and let cool completely, allowing them to crisp up and develop a glossy caramelized coating.
5. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a smooth, vibrant dressing.
6. In a large salad bowl, gently combine mixed winter greens, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion.
7. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss lightly to ensure even distribution.
8. Sprinkle the maple candied walnuts on top of the salad just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
9. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of fresh greens, sweet-tangy dressing, and crunchy candied nuts.

Notes

• Enhance the walnuts’ flavor by toasting them briefly before adding maple syrup to intensify their nutty profile.
• Prevent soggy salad by adding dressing and toppings just before serving to maintain crisp greens and crunchy textures.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients, especially mustard and dressing components, are certified gluten-free.
• Customize the salad by substituting feta with vegan cheese or omitting cheese for a dairy-free version that still delivers robust flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg