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