Description
A vibrant and nutritious fall harvest salad featuring fresh mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and toasted nuts with a honey balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Greens: Wash mixed greens thoroughly in cold water, then spin dry completely. Excess moisture prevents dressing from adhering properly.
- Combine Base: In large bowl, gently mix greens, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and thinly sliced red onion. Handle delicately to avoid bruising.
- Toast Nuts: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread nuts on baking sheet, toast 8-10 minutes until fragrant and golden. Cool completely before adding.
- Make Dressing: Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in small bowl until smooth and emulsified.
- Final Assembly: Add cooled nuts to salad, drizzle with dressing just before serving. Toss gently and serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
- Toast nuts in small batches to ensure even browning and prevent burning, which can add bitter flavors to your salad
- Remove pomegranate seeds underwater to prevent staining and make the process cleaner and more efficient
- Slice red onion paper-thin using a mandoline or sharp knife, then soak in ice water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness
- Make dressing up to 3 days ahead and store refrigerated, but bring to room temperature before using for best flavor
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285 calories
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
Keywords: fall harvest salad, pomegranate salad, healthy salad, seasonal salad, feta cheese salad, balsamic dressing