Vibrant Pomegranate Salad with Zesty Lemon-Herb Dressing
This vibrant pomegranate salad combines crisp romaine lettuce, sweet pomegranate arils, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing for a refreshing and flavorful dish. It's simple to prepare and perfect as a healthy side or light meal.
Equipment
- large salad bowl
- small bowl
- whisk
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large head romaine lettuce finely chopped
- 1 cup pomegranate arils from 1 large pomegranate
- 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese Optional
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- If using a whole pomegranate, score and break it in half, then tap the back to release the arils into a bowl, removing any white membrane.
- Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces and combine with sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and toasted nuts in a large salad bowl.
Dressing and Assembly
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic (if using), honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add the pomegranate arils to the salad ingredients, and if desired, crumble in feta or goat cheese.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are lightly coated. Serve the salad immediately to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Notes
For extra crunch, consider adding some toasted slivered almonds instead of walnuts or pecans. To make this salad a complete meal, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.