This arugula salad is an easy work lunch or dinner idea that’s packed with amazing flavor. Topped with goat cheese, candied pecans and pomegranate seeds, then drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette – you’ll love every bite of this healthy salad!
Arugula Salad with Homemade Dressing
I know that pomegranates have been a fad for a while now. They are tasty, packed with anti-oxidants, make you feel like you are eating something exotic which is always fun.
I’m usually behind the ball on the “fads,” with food and fashion. Luckily I eventually come around.
I had thought about trying pomegranates for a while, but the price tag was a little high…. until I went to ALDI’s and bought one for $.49 instead of $2.99. Woot Woot!
Next up… how in the world do you disassemble a pomegranate? I’ve heard its a beast to get the seeds out, which are the only edible part of a pomegranate…. so kinda an important part.
I was watching the FoodNetwork and had seen what seemed like an easy way to get the seeds out. The host simply cut the blossom end off the pomegranate, turned over the pomegranate so that the cut side was facing down and then used a spoon to tap the back. The idea was that seeds {with enough force} would pop out.
Um… not so much!
I learned the best way to get the seeds out is just to get down and dirty.
Put an apron on and come to terms with the fact that you’re probably gonna get a little red juice on the counter and on your hands. Just start moving back some of the soft pomegranate membranes and pop the seeds out with your fingers.
Then…
Go make this salad. It is the perfect change up recipe to some of those same old salads that you make around the holidays and probably packs a whole lot more flavor and nutrients then the ones you normally serve.
This Pomegranate Goat Cheese Candied Pecan Arugula Salad has everything you want in a salad… I mean really didn’t you see the mouthful of a title!
There is sweet, sour, creamy, spicy, crunchy … its seriously a flavor explosion!
You definitely don’t want to miss out! The best part about this salad is that it takes minutes to make… for real! It was the last thing I made before Thanksgiving Dinner and literally took like 10 minutes to make.
Plus its just pretty to look at, your guests will be so impressed!
Pomegranate Goat Cheese Candied Pecan Arugula Salad
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 7 mins
- Total Time: 17 mins
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
Description
This arugula salad recipe is an easy work lunch or dinner idea that’s packed with amazing flavor. Topped with goat cheese, candied pecans and pomegranate seeds, then drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Candied Pecans:
- 1 cup of pecans
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
Arugula Salad:
- 6 oz. of fresh arugula
- 1/3 cup of pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cups of crumbled goat cheese
- 1 bosc pear, diced
White Balsamic Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon of ground mustard
- 3 tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of dry oregano
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large non-stick skillet to medium high heat, add pecans and sugar. Stir on occasion.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, until sugar is melted and crusted on pecans.
- Remove from heat and place candied pecans on plate to cool.
- In a small bowl, combine ground mustard, vinegar, olive oil, honey, dry oregano, salt & pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Add fresh arugula, pomegranate, crumbled goat cheese, pear, and candied pecans to a large bowl.
- Serve with White Balsamic Dressing.
Filed Under:
Want More Holiday Side Dishes?
Roasted Green Beans & Mushrooms
Sweet Potato Noodles with Sage Brown Butter Sauce
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Harvest Salad with Hard Cider Vinaigrette
18 comments on “Pomegranate Goat Cheese Candied Pecan Arugula Salad”
I am just loving everything about this salad. So perfect for me due to the indulgent Christmas I’ve just had..
hey girl, we’ve all had that over indulgent christmas! I think thats why immediate after christmas comes the new years resolutions. 🙂 Hope you get a chance to try this salad, seriously rocks!
mmm, this salad looks so fresh and amazing! I love fruit and nuts in my salads!
Thanks Heather! I love fruit and nuts in my salad too, sweet and adds a crunch. 🙂
My kind of salad! I love candied pecans. Your salad pictures are beautiful!
Thanks so much Vanessa! 🙂
This recipe looks fantastic! I’ve been searching for something that will offset all the Christmas over-indulgences!
Hurray! Well .. dive in! 🙂
I am in love with the vibrant colours! I make a similar salad from time to time, but when I say similar, the only ingredients in common are arugula and pomegranate.
Thanks so much Anh! Yeah, this salad definitely rocks!
This salad is so gorgeous, Krista! What a way to perk up the holiday table! 🙂
Thanks so much Marcie!
This salad is absolutely beautiful, so colorful! Pinned
Thanks so much Celeste! Hope you get a chance to try it!
This is definitely on my list of recipes to try!
Awesome! can’t wait to hear what you think Teresa!
OH wow what a steal on the pomegranates!! The easiest way I’ve found to get the seeds out is to first push down on the skin all over before cutting it – this helps remove the seeds from the membrane before you get all dirty with juice. But yes, you will still likely get dirty lol! This salad seriously looks amazing! Would probably be content eating that all week!
I know right!
Great tip on the pushing down on the pomegranate to get the seeds out, totally trying that next time!