Festive Pomegranate Gorgonzola Salad with Parma Ham
Celebrate the festive season with our Festive Pomegranate Gorgonzola Salad, a visually stunning dish bursting with flavors and textures. The vibrant crimson hues of radicchio and pomegranate seeds contrast beautifully with the lush greens of savoy cabbage and peppery arugula, creating a salad that not only looks festive but tastes divine. The sharpness of the gorgonzola pairs harmoniously with the salty, savory notes of shredded Parma ham, while the olives add a delightful briny touch. Whether you're hosting a Christmas feast, ringing in the New Year, or gathering for Thanksgiving dinner, this salad is sure to impress your guests. It's versatile, too—simply omit the ham for a vegetarian option. Prepare the dressing in advance to save time, and serve this luxurious salad alongside some crusty rolls or thinly sliced rye bread, accompanied by chilled Rosé or Chardonnay for the perfect pairing.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Radicchio chicory lettuce
250 g (washed and trimmed)
Savoy cabbage
250 g (washed, trimmed, and cut into strips)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for wilting greens)
Gorgonzola cheese
200 g (cubed)
Parma ham
300 g (shredded)
Olives
50 g (black or green, sliced)
Pomegranate seeds
100 g (from one or two pomegranates)
Rocket (arugula)
100 g (washed)
Dijon mustard
3 teaspoons (for dressing)
Lemon juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Olive oil
50 ml (for dressing)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and trimming the radicchio and savoy cabbage leaves. Remove any tough stems, especially from the savoy cabbage, and tear or cut the leaves into strips of even size.
2
In a large frying pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the radicchio and savoy cabbage strips. Sauté gently for about 2-3 minutes, just until the leaves are wilted but still retain a crunchy texture. Remove from heat.
3
Transfer the wilted greens to a large serving platter or individual plates. Evenly distribute the cubed gorgonzola cheese and shredded Parma ham over the greens.
4
Next, scatter the olives across the salad, followed by a generous layer of rocket (arugula) leaves and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and sweetness.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and 50 ml of olive oil. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and vibrant. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive flavors!
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
8
Carbs
8.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Pomegranate Gorgonzola Salad with Parma Ham?
It is a visually stunning festive salad featuring a mix of radicchio, savoy cabbage, gorgonzola cheese, salty Parma ham, and sweet pomegranate seeds.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include radicchio chicory lettuce, savoy cabbage, gorgonzola cheese, Parma ham, olives, pomegranate seeds, and rocket (arugula).
How should I prepare the radicchio and savoy cabbage?
Wash and trim the leaves, remove any tough stems from the savoy cabbage, and tear or cut them into strips of even size.
How long should I sauté the greens?
Sauté the radicchio and savoy cabbage strips gently for about 2-3 minutes until the leaves are wilted but still retain a crunchy texture.
What type of cheese is recommended for this salad?
The recipe calls for 200 g of cubed gorgonzola cheese.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian by simply omitting the Parma ham.
What kind of ham is used in this festive salad?
The recipe uses 300 g of shredded Parma ham for a salty and savory flavor.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This salad contains approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in the Festive Pomegranate Gorgonzola Salad?
There are 8.5 grams of protein per serving.
What occasions is this salad best suited for?
It is perfect for festive occasions such as Christmas feasts, New Year celebrations, or Thanksgiving dinners.
What are the ingredients for the salad dressing?
The dressing consists of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, 50 ml of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Whisk together 3 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 50 ml of olive oil in a small bowl.
When should I apply the dressing to the salad?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and vibrant.
What type of olives should I use?
You can use 50 g of either black or green sliced olives according to your preference.
How many pomegranate seeds are needed?
The recipe requires 100 g of pomegranate seeds, typically from one or two pomegranates.
What type of lettuce provides the 'peppery' note?
Rocket, also known as arugula, provides the peppery notes in this salad.
Can I prepare any part of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance to save time during your event.
What should I serve alongside this salad?
It is delicious served with crusty rolls or thinly sliced rye bread.
What wine pairs well with the Festive Pomegranate Gorgonzola Salad?
A chilled Rosé or Chardonnay is the perfect pairing for this luxurious salad.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The salad contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of sautéing the radicchio and cabbage?
Sautéing briefly in olive oil wilts the leaves slightly while maintaining a crunchy texture and enhancing flavor.
How much olive oil is used for wilting the greens?
Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan or wok for wilting the greens.
How many individual ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including the dressing components and seasonings.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
The base greens are slightly wilted while warm, but the salad is assembled with fresh ingredients and served immediately.
How do I assemble the salad layers?
Place wilted greens on a platter, add cubed gorgonzola and shredded ham, then scatter olives, rocket, and pomegranate seeds.
What provides the acidity in the dressing?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the necessary acidity.
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
While savoy cabbage is recommended for its texture, you can experiment with others, though the flavor and texture profile may change.
What gives the salad its 'crimson' color?
The radicchio and pomegranate seeds provide the vibrant crimson hues.
Is salt and pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the dressing to taste.