Each year at Christmas I’m asked to bring this festive holiday salad. Easy to make and always a crowd favourite!
Ingredients for the Dressing:
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses*
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Ingredients for the Salad:
- 1 5oz box of arugula or mixed greens
- 1 ripe pear, cored and diced
- 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
- 3 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup pistachios, lightly toasted and chopped
Directions:
- In a glass mason jar, combine all dressing ingredients. Put on the lid and shake well. Set aside until the salad is assembled.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula or mixed greens, half of the diced pear, half of the pomegranate seeds and half of the goat cheese. Give the salad dressing another shake and add all but approximately 2 tbsp to the salad bowl. Gently toss the salad to coat with the dressing. If the salad seems too dry, add more dressing.
- Sprinkle the remaining goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, pear and pistachios over top and serve immediately.
*Pomegranate molasses can be purchased in some grocery stores, or you can also make it yourself. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of pure, unsweetened pomegranate juice with 2 tbsp of sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Bring to a low simmer. Continue simmering over low heat for approximately 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the juice has reduced to approximately ¼ cup. The juice will have a syrupy consistency as it cools. Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.