Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad
If you’re looking for a vibrant and delicious dish that brings joy to any table, let me introduce you to my favorite Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad. This salad is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or planning for a festive family gathering, this salad fits right in. The combination of sweet pears, tart pomegranate, and fresh spinach makes every bite delightful!
What I love most about this recipe is how it celebrates simple ingredients while still feeling special. The crunch of the walnuts paired with the creamy feta adds texture that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—perfect for those busy days when you want something healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The mix of ingredients like pears and pomegranates creates a burst of flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile Delight: It can be served as a side at family gatherings or enjoyed as a light main course.
- Nutrition-Packed: With wholesome ingredients, this salad is not only delicious but also nourishing.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dressing in advance, making assembly a breeze when it’s time to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightful Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad, you’ll need some simple yet wholesome ingredients. Gather these fresh flavors to create your masterpiece:
For the Salad
- 2/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted)
- 3/4 cup pomegranate arils
- 3 oz feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 Bartlett pears (firm but ripe, cored and sliced)
- 9 oz baby spinach
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Variations
One of the best things about this salad is its flexibility! You can easily swap out or add ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for an added boost of protein.
- Change the Cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese or leave it out entirely if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Mix Up the Greens: Use kale or arugula instead of spinach for a different flavor profile.
- Sweeten It Up: Add mandarin oranges or apples for an extra layer of sweetness.
How to Make Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together all the dressing ingredients in a bowl. This step is crucial because blending them well ensures that each bite of your salad is coated in deliciousness. The combination of honey and apple cider vinegar creates a sweet-tangy flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Step 2: Combine Your Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, place all of your salad ingredients: baby spinach, sliced pears, pomegranate arils, walnuts or pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and dried cranberries. Drizzling with your dressing now will help everything come together beautifully!
Step 3: Toss It All Together
Drizzle your desired amount of dressing over the salad mix then toss gently to evenly coat everything. It’s important to be gentle here so you don’t bruise the greens or break apart the pear slices too much. Serve immediately for a fresh crunch!
This Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad is sure to become a favorite at your table! Enjoy every colorful bite!
Pro Tips for Making Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad
This delightful salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also an explosion of flavors! Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly every time.
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Choose ripe pears: Selecting firm but ripe Bartlett pears will enhance the sweetness and texture of your salad. Overripe pears can become mushy and less appealing.
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Toast the nuts: Toasting walnuts or pecans brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Just a few minutes in a skillet or oven can make a world of difference!
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Make the dressing ahead of time: Preparing the dressing in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, making your prep time even easier on busy days.
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Add pomegranate arils at the last minute: To keep their vibrant color and crunch, sprinkle pomegranate arils over the salad just before serving. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from releasing excess juice into the salad.
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Adjust sweetness to taste: Depending on your preferences or the sweetness of your pears, feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the dressing. A little taste test goes a long way!
How to Serve Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad
Presenting this beautiful salad is all about enhancing its natural colors and textures. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving game!
Garnishes
- Fresh herbs: Chopped fresh mint or basil can add a refreshing twist that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Additional cheese: Crumbled goat cheese or more feta sprinkled on top adds richness and creaminess that pairs well with the sweetness of pears.
- Edible flowers: If you’re feeling fancy, edible flowers like nasturtiums can provide a pop of color and an unexpected touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
- Quinoa Pilaf: A simple quinoa pilaf with herbs is a fantastic complement to this salad, providing protein while keeping things light.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs make for an excellent protein-packed side that balances out this fresh salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots add depth and heartiness, perfect for any meal setting.
- Whole Grain Bread: Serve with slices of crusty whole grain bread for a satisfying crunch alongside the freshness of your salad.
With these tips and serving suggestions, your Pear, Pomegranate, and Spinach Salad will be sure to impress at any gathering or weeknight dinner! Enjoy every colorful bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad is a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can easily prepare it ahead of time for lunches or festive gatherings, ensuring you have a delicious and healthy option ready to go.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- The salad is best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent wilting.
Freezing
- This salad is not recommended for freezing due to the fresh ingredients, especially spinach, which will not maintain its texture once thawed.
- Instead, prepare the individual components (like nuts and dried cranberries) separately if you want to save time on future salads.
Reheating
- There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best served chilled or at room temperature.
- If you’ve stored it in the fridge, simply toss it gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about the Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad that you might find helpful!
Can I make Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad without feta cheese?
Absolutely! You can omit feta or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative or even avocado for creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.
How long does Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad last in the fridge?
The salad is best enjoyed within 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
What can I add to Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad for extra protein?
Consider adding chickpeas or grilled chicken breast. These options will complement the flavors while adding a healthy dose of protein!
Is Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad good for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad is truly a delightful dish that brings together vibrant flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a festive feast or looking for a quick meal prep option, this salad shines with its healthful ingredients. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s sure to become a favorite at your table! Don’t hesitate to try it out; your taste buds will thank you!
Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Discover the refreshing blend of flavors in this Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad, a delightful dish that’s both nutritious and visually stunning. This vibrant salad combines sweet pears, tangy pomegranate arils, and fresh spinach for a colorful presentation that’s perfect for any occasion—from quick weeknight dinners to festive family gatherings. The crunchy walnuts add texture while the creamy feta brings richness to each bite. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy its versatility by serving it as a light main course or a side dish, making it an easy choice for meal prep or special events.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted)
- 3/4 cup pomegranate arils
- 3 oz feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 Bartlett pears (firm but ripe, cored and sliced)
- 9 oz baby spinach
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large salad bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced pears, pomegranate arils, toasted walnuts or pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and dried cranberries.
- Drizzle your desired amount of dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
