Pin this 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 at our holiday parties thanks to its fresh flavors and colorful presentation.
Ingredients
- Salad Base: 5 oz (140 g) mixed baby greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, radicchio), 1 small red apple cored and thinly sliced, 1/2 cup (90 g) pomegranate seeds, 1/3 cup (40 g) sliced roasted almonds
- Protein & Cheese: 4 oz (115 g) hard salami sliced into thin strips, 2 oz (60 g) feta cheese or goat cheese crumbled
- Dressing: 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
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple slices, pomegranate seeds, and roasted almonds.
- Step 2:
- Add the sliced hard salami and crumbled feta or goat cheese.
- Step 3:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Step 5:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra pomegranate seeds and almonds if desired.
Pin this This salad always brings warm smiles at our family holiday dinners and is a conversation starter with its vibrant colors.
Additional Tips
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.
Dietary Variations
For a vegetarian version, omit the salami.
Pin this This salad is a perfect last-minute holiday addition that dazzles guests with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → What greens are best for this salad?
Mixed baby greens like arugula, spinach, and radicchio provide a crisp, flavorful base.
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Feta or goat cheese is recommended, but blue cheese or dairy-free options work well too.
- → How should the dressing be prepared?
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until blended.
- → Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the hard salami and enjoy the fresh combination of greens, fruit, and cheese.
- → What nuts are included and can they be substituted?
Sliced roasted almonds add crunch, but you can use other nuts if preferred, considering allergies.