As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, our cravings shift to cozy, comforting, and vibrant foods. This Pomegranate Winter Salad is the perfect embodiment of the season on a plate. It’s a festive, nutrient-packed dish that balances the sweet jewels of pomegranate seeds with creamy feta, crunchy pecans, and a zesty maple dijon vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a stunning holiday side dish or a refreshing and healthy lunch, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of winter’s best flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Festive Pomegranate Winter Salad
This isn’t just another boring salad. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again for its incredible taste and simplicity.
- Vibrant and Beautiful: With deep greens, ruby-red pomegranate arils, and creamy white feta, this salad is as gorgeous as it is delicious, making it a perfect centerpiece for any table.
- A Symphony of Flavors: It perfectly balances sweet, savory, tart, and tangy notes. The sweetness of the maple and pomegranate plays beautifully against the sharp feta and zesty dressing.
- Rich in Texture: From the crisp lettuce and crunchy nuts to the burst of pomegranate seeds and creamy cheese, every bite offers a satisfying mix of textures.
- Incredibly Versatile: This salad is easily adaptable. You can add protein to make it a main course or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Check out our variations section for ideas!
The Perfect Harmony of Ingredients
The magic of this Pomegranate Winter Salad lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the final, harmonious dish.
For the Salad:
- Mixed Greens: A base of tender baby spinach and arugula provides a slightly peppery and fresh foundation.
- Pomegranate Arils: These are the star of the show, offering a burst of sweet-tart juice and a stunning ruby color.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy texture and a salty, tangy counterpoint to the sweet pomegranate.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans bring a rich, nutty flavor and a delightful crunch.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp, savory bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese and nuts.
For the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides the bright, acidic backbone of the dressing.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of natural, earthy sweetness that complements the winter theme.
- Dijon Mustard: Acts as an emulsifier to bring the dressing together and adds a tangy kick.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bringing this beautiful salad together is incredibly easy. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or a mason jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
Place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until they are fragrant and slightly browned. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from the skillet immediately and let them cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, half of the pomegranate arils, half of the crumbled feta, half of the toasted pecans, and the thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle with about half of the prepared vinaigrette and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Top the salad with the remaining pomegranate arils, feta, and pecans before serving. This ensures the vibrant toppings are visible and beautifully presented.
Tips for the Best Winter Salad
A few simple tricks can elevate your Pomegranate Winter Salad from good to absolutely unforgettable.
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this salad means the quality of each ingredient shines through. Use fresh, crisp greens and real maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Don’t Dress It Too Early: To prevent soggy greens, wait to add the dressing until just before you’re ready to serve. If you love well-dressed salads, try one of our balanced slow cooker meals to go alongside.
- Chill Your Ingredients: For an extra crisp and refreshing salad, make sure your greens and pomegranate arils are well-chilled before assembling.
Delicious Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own.
- Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try creamy goat cheese, sharp gorgonzola, or shaved Parmesan.
- Nuts: Candied walnuts, toasted almonds, or even pumpkin seeds would be fantastic substitutes for pecans.
- Greens: For a heartier salad, try using kale (be sure to massage it with a little dressing first) or a spring mix.
- Add a Protein: Turn this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or a handful of chickpeas. Our one-pan balsamic chicken is a great pairing.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Planning for a holiday or dinner party? This Pomegranate Winter Salad is easy to prep in advance.
To Make Ahead: You can prepare all the components separately up to 2 days in advance. Make the dressing and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Toast the nuts and store them at room temperature. De-seed the pomegranate and keep the arils in the fridge. Wash and dry your greens thoroughly. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble and toss!
To Store: If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Note that the greens will wilt once dressed.
What to Serve with Your Pomegranate Salad
This salad is a perfect companion for a wide range of main courses. It’s particularly wonderful with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork loin. It also pairs beautifully with hearty soups, such as our Greek lemon chicken soup, or a creamy pasta dish.
A maple dijon vinaigrette is an excellent choice. Its blend of sweet maple syrup, tangy Dijon mustard, and bright apple cider vinegar complements the sweet pomegranate arils and savory feta cheese perfectly.
Yes, you can prepare the components separately. Mix the dressing, toast the nuts, and de-seed the pomegranate up to 2 days in advance. Store them in airtight containers and assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Feta is a classic choice for its salty and tangy flavor. However, creamy goat cheese, sharp gorgonzola, or shaved Parmesan also pair beautifully with the sweetness of the pomegranate.
Cut the pomegranate in half horizontally. Hold one half, cut-side down, over a large bowl and firmly tap the back of the pomegranate with a wooden spoon. The arils will fall right into the bowl.
To make this a more substantial main course, you can add a protein like grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or a can of drained chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
A maple dijon vinaigrette is an excellent choice. Its blend of sweet maple syrup, tangy Dijon mustard, and bright apple cider vinegar complements the sweet pomegranate arils and savory feta cheese perfectly.
Yes, you can prepare the components separately. Mix the dressing, toast the nuts, and de-seed the pomegranate up to 2 days in advance. Store them in airtight containers and assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Feta is a classic choice for its salty and tangy flavor. However, creamy goat cheese, sharp gorgonzola, or shaved Parmesan also pair beautifully with the sweetness of the pomegranate.
Cut the pomegranate in half horizontally. Hold one half, cut-side down, over a large bowl and firmly tap the back of the pomegranate with a wooden spoon. The arils will fall right into the bowl.
To make this a more substantial main course, you can add a protein like grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or a can of drained chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Your New Favorite Holiday Side Dish
This Pomegranate Winter Salad is more than just a recipe—it’s a vibrant, delicious, and healthy addition to any meal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to grace your holiday table. We know you’ll love it as much as we do!
If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share a photo and tag us, or save it to your favorite board on Pinterest.
Pomegranate Winter Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
A festive and vibrant Pomegranate Winter Salad recipe featuring crisp greens, creamy feta, crunchy pecans, and a homemade maple dijon vinaigrette. This easy, healthy, and delicious salad is the perfect side dish for holiday gatherings or any winter meal.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake until well-emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, shaking frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, half of the pomegranate arils, half of the feta, half of the pecans, and the red onion. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently. Top with the remaining toppings before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
For best results, use fresh, crisp greens and dress the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
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Pin Recipe
Pomegranate Winter Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake until well-emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, shaking frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, half of the pomegranate arils, half of the feta, half of the pecans, and the red onion. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently. Top with the remaining toppings before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
