Ingredients
Vinaigrette:
1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
2 tablespoons sherry or apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepepr
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
For the salad:
4 cups arugula, lightly packed
4 cups romaine, torn into bite-sized pieces
2 ripe pears, cored and cut into 1/2″ cubes
1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
3 ounces fresh goat cheese or feta, crumbled
1/4 cup pistachios, toasted and coarsely chopped
Instructions
In a small bowl combine the shallot, pomegranate molasses, vinegar, salt and pepper and whisk until the salt is dissolved.
Whisk in the olive oil and let vinaigrette stand at room temperature until salad is assembled.
Combine the arugula, romaine, pears and half of the pomegranate seeds in a large bowl.
Crumble half of the goat cheese over the ingredients in the bowl (this works best if the cheese is very cold).
Whisk the vinaigrette until uniform and add all but 2 tablespoons of it to the bowl.
Gently toss the salad with your hands or salad tongs, coating the ingredients well with the vinaigrette. If the salad seems dry, add the vinaigrette in small increments until it is dressed to your liking.
Crumble the remaining cheese over the salad and sprinkle the remaining pomegranate seeds and the pistachios over the top. Serve immediately.
Key Points About Ingredients:
- Pomegranate molasses is a thick, intensely flavored syrup made from reduced pomegranate juice — a little goes a long way to add rich sweet-tart complexity to dressings and sauces.
- Arugula is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins K, A, and C, and its distinctive peppery bite pairs beautifully with sweet fruits and creamy cheeses.
- Choose ripe but firm pears such as Bosc or Anjou for this salad — they hold their shape when cubed and provide a lovely natural sweetness without becoming mushy.
- Fresh goat cheese (chèvre) is lower in calories and fat than many other cheeses and offers a bright, tangy creaminess that complements both the bitter greens and sweet elements.
- Toasted pistachios add a satisfying crunch and a buttery, slightly sweet flavor while contributing healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and plant-based protein.
- Pomegranate seeds (arils) are rich in antioxidants, particularly punicalagins and anthocyanins, and add a juicy burst of tartness and stunning ruby color to the salad.
Key Nutritional Insights:
- This salad is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the extra virgin olive oil and pistachios, which may help support healthy cholesterol levels.
- Arugula and romaine together provide a significant dose of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health and proper blood clotting.
- With a moderate calorie count and a good balance of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, this salad makes a satisfying and nutritious light meal or starter.
- Pomegranate seeds are one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits available, helping to combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- Goat cheese provides a source of calcium and protein while being easier to digest for some people compared to cow's milk cheeses due to its different protein structure.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size1
- Amount per serving
- Calories265
- Standard DV% Daily Value*
- Total Fat21 g72 g29.17%
- Saturated Fat4.5 g20 g22.5%
- Trans Fat0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat2.8 g
- Monounsaturated Fat13 g
- Cholesterol7 mg300 mg2.33%
- Sodium230 mg2300 mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate17 g275 g6.18%
- Dietary Fiber3 g28 g10.71%
- Total Sugars11 g
- Added Sugars2 g50 g4%
- Sugar Alcohal0 g
- Protein5 g50 g10%
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)2 mcg20 mcg10%
- Calcium95 mg1300 mg7.31%
- Iron1.4 mg18 mg7.78%
- Potassium310 mg4700 mg6.6%
- Vitamin A1850 mcg900 mcg205.56%
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)14 mg90 mg15.56%
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)2.8 mg15 mg18.67%
- Vitamin K85 mcg120 mcg70.83%
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)0.1 mg1.2 mg8.33%
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.12 mg1.3 mg9.23%
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)0.6 mg16 mg3.75%
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)0.12 mg1.7 mg7.06%
- Folate58 mcg400 mcg14.5%
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)0.1 mcg2.4 mcg4.17%
- Biotin1.8 mcg30 mcg6%
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)0.3 mg5 mg6%
- Choline18 mg550 mg3.27%
- Phosphorus110 mg1250 mg8.8%
- Iodine3 mcg150 mcg2%
- Magnesium28 mg420 mg6.67%
- Zinc0.7 mg11 mg6.36%
- Selenium1.5 mcg55 mcg2.73%
- Copper0.22 mg0.9 mg24.44%
- Manganese0.45 mg2.3 mg19.57%
- Chromium2 mcg35 mcg5.71%
- Molybdenum4 mcg45 mcg8.89%
- Chloride55 mg2300 mg2.39%
