Pomegranate and Walnut Salad (Printer-friendly)

Vibrant winter salad with pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and fresh fruits in a light citrus dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fruits

01 - 1 large pomegranate, seeds extracted
02 - 1 large orange, peeled and segmented
03 - 1 crisp apple, cored and diced
04 - 1 ripe pear, cored and diced

→ Nuts and Seeds

05 - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
07 - 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

→ Dressing

08 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 - Pinch of sea salt

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large salad bowl, combine pomegranate seeds, orange segments, diced apple, and diced pear. Add chopped walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds to the bowl.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and sea salt until well combined.
03 - Drizzle dressing over fruit and nut mixture. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Sprinkle with fresh mint leaves for garnish if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to enhance flavor development.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes but tastes like you spent all morning in the kitchen.
  • The pomegranate seeds burst with such juice that every bite feels indulgent without being heavy.
  • Your body genuinely thanks you for eating something this colorful and alive.
02 -
  • If you dress this salad more than 2 hours ahead, the walnuts will soften and the apple will start releasing moisture that dilutes the dressing.
  • Pomegranate stains everything permanently, so work over a bowl and wear an apron you don't mind getting marked.
03 -
  • Buy pomegranates that feel heavy for their size, which means they're truly ripe and full of juice rather than drying out.
  • Keep your dressing ratio flexible based on how juicy your citrus is that day, tasting as you go rather than following the numbers blindly.
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