Festive Pomegranate Pear and Arugula Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of the season with this delightful Festive Pomegranate Pear and Arugula Delight salad. This unique dish combines the peppery notes of fresh arugula with the sweet and succulent taste of ripe pears and juicy pomegranate seeds. Drizzled with a luscious homemade balsamic dressing that balances sweetness and acidity, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a light meal, you'll love the satisfying crunch of walnuts and the rich creaminess of blue cheese that brings everything together. Each bite is a celebration of colors and flavors, making it a must-try for salad lovers!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red wine
1 (tablespoon)
Balsamic vinegar
1 (tablespoon)
Red wine vinegar
1 (tablespoon)
Sugar
1/2 (teaspoon)
Cinnamon
1/4 (teaspoon)
Nutmeg
1/8 (teaspoon)
Olive oil
4 (tablespoons)
Honey
1/2 (tablespoon)
Dried basil
1/4 (teaspoon (crushed))
Arugula
7 (ounces)
Pomegranate seeds
1/2 (cup)
Pear
1 (cup (thinly sliced))
Walnut pieces
1/2 (cup)
Blue cheese
4 (tablespoons (crumbles))
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, olive oil, honey, and dried basil until well combined to create the dressing.
2
In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, pomegranate seeds, and walnut pieces.
3
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to ensure everything is well coated.
4
On individual serving plates, divide the salad mixture.
5
Top each serving with thinly sliced pear and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbs before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Pomegranate Pear and Arugula Delight?
It is a vibrant seasonal salad featuring peppery arugula, sweet pears, juicy pomegranate seeds, crunchy walnuts, and creamy blue cheese, all tossed in a homemade balsamic dressing.
What ingredients are needed for the dressing?
The dressing requires red wine, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, olive oil, honey, and crushed dried basil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, according to the recipe tags, this Festive Pomegranate Pear and Arugula Delight is gluten-free.
How do I prepare the dried basil for the dressing?
The dried basil should be crushed before being whisked into the dressing ingredients.
What type of nuts are used in this salad?
This recipe uses half a cup of walnut pieces for added crunch.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
While the recipe calls for blue cheese crumbles, you could substitute it with goat cheese or feta if you prefer a different creamy texture.
How much arugula is required?
The recipe calls for 7 ounces of fresh arugula.
What spices are included in the dressing?
The dressing is flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried basil.
When should the pear slices be added?
Thinly sliced pears should be placed on top of each individual serving plate after the salad has been tossed and divided.
How many types of vinegar are in the dressing?
The dressing uses two types of vinegar: balsamic vinegar and red wine vinegar.
Is there any alcohol in the recipe?
Yes, the dressing contains one tablespoon of red wine.
What provides the sweetness in the dressing?
The dressing gets its sweetness from a combination of sugar and honey.
How do I assemble the salad?
First, whisk the dressing. Then, combine arugula, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts in a bowl. Toss with the dressing, plate the mixture, and top with pear and blue cheese.
How much pomegranate seed is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds.
What kind of texture does this salad have?
The salad offers a mix of textures: peppery crunch from arugula, crispness from pears, snap from pomegranate seeds, crunch from walnuts, and creaminess from blue cheese.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy and light meal option featuring fresh fruit and greens.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
Can I make this salad for the holidays?
Absolutely; it is specifically described as a festive dish perfect for holiday gatherings due to its colors and flavors.
What is the preparation for the pears?
The pears should be thinly sliced and used as a topping for the plated salad.
How much blue cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 4 tablespoons of blue cheese crumbles.
Is the dressing pre-made?
No, this recipe features a luscious homemade balsamic dressing made from scratch.
What size should the walnut pieces be?
The recipe calls for walnut pieces, which provide a satisfying crunch throughout the salad.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
Can I use this as a main course?
Yes, it is suitable as a light meal or as a side dish for a larger gathering.
How much red wine vinegar is used?
One tablespoon of red wine vinegar is included in the dressing.
What makes the arugula distinctive in this dish?
The arugula provides peppery notes that balance the sweetness of the pears and pomegranate.
How much cinnamon is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The dressing contains 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
Is the honey a major ingredient?
Honey is used in a small amount (1/2 tablespoon) to help balance the acidity of the vinegars.
Does the recipe specify a serving size?
The recipe data does not specify a serving size or total servings, but it uses 7 ounces of greens which typically serves 2 to 4 people.