Festive Pomegranate Spinach Salad with Bacon
This vibrant and refreshing Festive Pomegranate Spinach Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crisp baby spinach serves as the perfect canvas for the juicy burst of pomegranate seeds and the savory crunch of bacon, while the zesty lemon dressing ties it all together. With a hint of shallots and a touch of cumin, this salad offers a unique twist that will impress your guests at any gathering. It’s easy to prepare and can be a fantastic side dish or a light main course, perfect for the health-conscious yet flavor-loving individual. Enjoy the holiday spirit in every bite with this beautiful and delicious salad.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon (zested)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
shallots
1 1/4 teaspoons (finely chopped)
ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon
salt
1/8 teaspoon
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
olive oil
2 tablespoons
thick bacon
4 slices (cut crosswise into 1/4 inch strips)
baby spinach leaves
5 ounces (washed and dried)
pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup
daikon radish
2/3 cup (sliced thinly)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, both lemon juices, finely chopped shallots, ground cumin, and salt until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is emulsified. Set aside.
2
In a cold skillet, place the cut bacon strips and cook them over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, and fry until the bacon is almost crisp, which should take about 5 minutes.
3
Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess grease, and let it cool.
4
In a large bowl, gently combine the baby spinach leaves, cooked bacon, pomegranate seeds, and sliced daikon radish.
5
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients, being careful not to bruise the spinach.
6
Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this beautiful salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary base of the Festive Pomegranate Spinach Salad?
The primary base consists of 5 ounces of washed and dried baby spinach leaves.
How do I prepare the lemon dressing?
Whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, finely chopped shallots, ground cumin, and salt, then slowly drizzle in olive oil until emulsified.
What kind of bacon is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of thick bacon cut crosswise into 1/4 inch strips.
How long should I cook the bacon strips?
Cook the bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it is almost crisp.
Can this salad be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or substitute it with a plant-based bacon alternative to make it vegetarian.
What type of radish is included in this salad?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of thinly sliced daikon radish.
What ingredients are needed for the dressing?
The dressing requires lemon zest, lemon juice, shallots, ground cumin, salt, and olive oil.
How many pomegranate seeds are used?
The salad requires 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
How should the bacon be handled after cooking?
Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease and let it cool before adding it to the salad.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
While elements like the dressing and bacon can be prepared ahead, the salad should be tossed and served immediately to keep the spinach fresh.
What is the flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is zesty and savory, featuring lemon, shallots, and a touch of warm ground cumin.
How do I prevent the spinach from bruising?
Toss the salad mixture gently when applying the dressing to ensure all ingredients are coated without damaging the leaves.
What makes this salad 'festive'?
The combination of bright red pomegranate seeds and green baby spinach gives it a beautiful, holiday-themed appearance.
Is there any dairy in this recipe?
No, this recipe is dairy-free.
Can I use regular radishes if I cannot find daikon?
Yes, thinly sliced red radishes can serve as a suitable substitute for daikon radish.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What is the purpose of the ground cumin in the dressing?
Cumin adds a unique earthy twist and warmth that complements the zesty lemon and savory bacon.
How much lemon juice is needed in total?
The recipe calls for a total of 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Should the bacon be started in a hot or cold skillet?
The instructions recommend placing the bacon in a cold skillet before turning on the heat for even cooking.
What is the role of shallots in this salad?
Finely chopped shallots are whisked into the dressing to provide a mild, sweet onion flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a light main course?
Yes, it is designed to be either a fantastic side dish or a light main course.
Can I add nuts to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, adding toasted pecans or walnuts would provide extra crunch and flavor.
How should the daikon radish be prepared?
The daikon radish should be sliced thinly before being added to the large bowl.
What is the texture of the salad?
It features a mix of crisp spinach, crunchy bacon, and juicy pomegranate seeds.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, though bottled can be used if fresh is unavailable.
How much lemon zest is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest.
What season is this salad best for?
With its festive pomegranate and fresh spinach, it is particularly well-suited for winter holidays and gatherings.
How do I ensure the dressing is emulsified?
Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the lemon mixture while continuously whisking.
What should I do with the pomegranate seeds?
Gently combine the 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds with the spinach, bacon, and radish before dressing.