Spinach Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette
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 (see Tip# 2)
2 Tblsp balsamic vinegar
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 from Amazon.com.
