Pin it A vibrant, festive salad featuring crisp greens, juicy pomegranate, savory hard salami, and creamy cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This salad quickly became a favorite during our Christmas dinners for its unique blend of flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 5 oz mixed baby greens: e.g. arugula, spinach, radicchio
- 1 small red apple: cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds: 90 g
- 1/3 cup sliced roasted almonds: 40 g
- 4 oz hard salami: sliced into thin strips
- 2 oz feta cheese or goat cheese: crumbled
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine salad base:
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple slices, pomegranate seeds, and roasted almonds.
- Add protein and cheese:
- Add the sliced hard salami and crumbled feta or goat cheese.
- Prepare dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Dress salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra pomegranate seeds and almonds if desired.
Pin it This salad always brings smiles to our family table during the holidays, combining festive colors and flavors everyone enjoys.
Notes
For extra crunch, add thinly sliced celery or cucumber. Substitute feta with blue cheese or omit cheese for a dairy-free option.
Pairings
Pairs well with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a festive sparkling wine.
Variations
For a vegetarian version, omit the salami.
Pin it This salad can be prepared quickly, making it ideal for busy holiday seasons.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of greens work best in this salad?
Mixed baby greens like arugula, spinach, and radicchio provide a fresh, slightly peppery base that balances the sweetness and savory elements.
- → Can I substitute the hard salami with other proteins?
Yes, thinly sliced cured meats like prosciutto or smoked turkey work well, or omit the meat for a vegetarian option.
- → How should the dressing be combined for best flavor?
Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified to create a smooth, balanced dressing that coats the salad evenly.
- → Are there any allergy considerations for this salad?
The salad contains dairy (cheese) and tree nuts (almonds). Ensure salami and cheese are gluten-free if needed.
- → What are good beverage pairings for this salad?
Pairs nicely with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wines to complement the fresh and savory flavors.