Spinach Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette
October 17, 2016
Because of it's color scheme, this salad makes a beautiful & healthy addition to your Christmas dinner table. But why stop there... add this to your salad rotation any time of the year, just as I have!
The original recipe for this fabulous salad & dressing is from my friend at The Persian Fusion https://www.thepersianfusion.com/ and she's given me permission to share my version with you. I really didn't change much from her original recipe, because it was just perfect the way she created it. I hope you'll visit her website & try some of her other delicious recipes.
Serves: 4 to 6 depending on the size of the salads
Ingredients
4 Tblsp shelled pine nuts (see Tip# 1)
6 Tblsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 Tblsp pomegranate molasses syrup
1/4 tsp smoked or plain sea salt flakes (smoked is best)
Fresh ground black pepper, 4 to 6 pepper mill turns
1 large handful organic baby spinach leaves per salad
1/8 to 1/4 cup pomegranate arils (seeds) per salad
Optional for serving: crumbled feta or goat cheese, avocado (cubed), strawberries (halved), pear (slices) or red onion (thinly sliced)
Directions
1 Preheat a cast iron skillet on medium heat for a couple of minutes. Add pine nuts & gently stir-fry about 2 minutes till they just start to brown slightly (lower heat if they brown too fast). Remove to a small plate & refrigerate to cool.
2 Add EVOO, syrup, vinegar, salt & pepper to a jar/container with a tight fitting lid. Shake well till ingredients are fully combined. Set aside.
3 Arrange some spinach on each plate, sprinkle with pomegranate & pine nuts. Add cheese or any other optional ingredients, if using. Shake dressing, pour over salads & serve.
Tips & Suggestions
1 Shelled pine nuts can be found in most major supermarkets. I like to buy a large amount & roast them all at the same time. Then I store them either in the frig or freezer, so I always have some on hand for salads, pesto or to use in other recipes.
2 If you can't find this locally, you can order pomegranate molasses syrup
I love salads with baby spinach, fruit and nuts. This one looks lovely. I have never tried pomegranate molasses. I’m not sure I can find it here in Italy, but I guess I could make some!
You might be able to find it Jacqui, as it’s a very popular Persian ingredient… so it’s from your neck of the woods, so to speak.
This looks like such a great salad to take to a holiday potluck this weekend. I think I’ll try making a dressing with some leftover grenadine I have.
I am a little leary of fruit in my salad but I have to try this. it looks delicious.
Get brave Aimee & give it a try, you might just love it!
Looks delicious Simone! I love adding fruit, seeds, and nuts in my salads! So goood!!
You & me both Ai! 🙂
Pomegranate are one of my fav ingredients….. n Pomegranate Vinagrette sounds amazing!
This salad looks so delicious! There is currently a salad scare here in California and I’m dying to eat a fresh salad! I’ve been craving it daily. Pinning this recipe for later, thank you!
Love the colour 😀
Very Christmassy looking salad 😛
I just tried something similar this weekend and loved it. I will try your version soon.
I love salads and this pomegranate dressing sounds amazing!
I definitely prefer spinach-based salads! This sounds great!
I got pretty excited when I read through the ingredients in this recipe. I love them all, and this combination of flavor sounds very gourmet but easy to make. Yum!
I’m going to save this one, looks lovely! Come the new year I will be needing salad recipes, otherwise, I will end up having to buy a new wardrobe?!!. Might try this one with Sherry Vinegar?
Hi Michaela, I know what you mean about gaining weight during the holidays! lol As to the Sherry Vinegar, I suppose you could substitute that, but it may be a bit tart. Balsamic is really the best for this dressing… but use whatever you think is best!
Such a simple and delicious recipe. It’s perfect when I’m in a crunch to make something healthy. The pomegranate dressing is my absolute favorite!
I’m so happy that you like my twist with pine nuts & cheese Maryam. Thanks again for a great recipe & for turning me on to pomegranate molasses syrup YUM!
Hello there! This looks fantastic and I love your suggestion to use pine nuts and cheese. Might do that myself as well. Thank you for trusting my recipe, trying it and giving it a new twist.