Hello readers, Austin Carter is here from Beyond The Bayou Blog. As you all know trying different cuisines is something I am really passionate about. Moreover, I love sharing my experimentation with you guys whenever possible. One such recipe is today in my hand to share with you all: Pear Salad With Pomegranate Seeds.
I have been going crazy for pears lately. So, I decided to make a delicious roasted pear salad with pomegranate seeds and candied walnuts. I tried this recipe several times ahead as well as it really complements my meals when served as a side for dinner. But it simply does not mean that you cannot have it alone.
For all my fitness freaks, It’s a nutritious salad, rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats from ingredients like walnuts and olive oil. Pears provide fiber and vitamin C, while pomegranate seeds add a burst of flavor and additional antioxidants. Thus you can simply have it as your evening snack.
So, let’s just begin today’s recipe which includes minimal steps as well as save your time. For more recipes like this go for Pickled Beets and Goat Cheese Salad and Muffaletta Salad.
Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- Highly recommended for special occasions like Thanksgiving, holidays, or any memorable gathering, this Pear Salad recipe is a standout dish that can hold its own alongside the star dishes of the table. It’s a delightful blend of tangy, sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy flavors, featuring pears, pepitas, pomegranate seeds, cheese, caramelized nuts, and a heavenly Creamy Pomegranate Poppy Seed Dressing.
- Speaking of the dressing, it’s the highlight of this salad, offering a delightful balance of sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess without feeling heavy. Although the ingredients may seem unusual, trust me, it’s absolutely worth it, so don’t skip making it!
- What’s more, this recipe is prep-ahead friendly, and perfect for reducing last-minute stress on special occasions. You can prepare the dressing up to 5 days in advance, and the other ingredients can be prepped ahead and layered in the salad bowl as instructed.
- Moreover, this Pear Salad is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite greens, fruits, nuts, or cheeses, but make sure not to skip the pears and the sensational dressing for the best experience. Check out the recipe variations provided below for more delicious options. Enjoy!
Autumn Pear Salad With Pomegranate
Equipment
- Oven for roasting pears
- Pot for boiling walnuts
- Skillet or frying pan for frying walnuts
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk for preparing the vinaigrette
- Serving bowl or plate for the salad
Ingredients
- 2 cut in half
- 1 tsp olive oil
- a pinch of kosher salt
- fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- oil to fry in
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup cane syrup or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp cane vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- one package of your favorite salad blend
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for frying.
- Drizzle olive oil over halved pears, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 10 minutes until tender.
- Boil walnuts in water for 5-6 minutes, drain, and toss with powdered sugar while hot.
- Fry sugared walnuts in oil until golden brown, then drain and set aside.
- Whisk together cane syrup (or maple syrup), vinegar, and olive oil to make the vinaigrette.
- Toss salad greens with some vinaigrette, season with salt and pepper.
- Add roasted pears, candied walnuts, and pomegranate seeds to the salad.
- Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette, toss gently, and serve.
Nutrition
Possible Variations and Substitutions!
- Nutty Crunch: Instead of walnuts, try using toasted almonds, pecans, or cashews for a different nutty flavor and texture.
- Sweet and Tangy Twist: Swap pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a sweeter and tangier bite.
- Citrus Zest: Add a pop of freshness with grated lemon or orange zest sprinkled over the salad.
- Herbaceous Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped basil, mint, or parsley for a burst of herbal fragrance and taste.
- Creamy Indulgence: For a creamy element, crumble some goat cheese or blue cheese over the salad before drizzling with vinaigrette.
- Spicy Kick: Spice things up by tossing in a handful of sliced jalapeños or red chili flakes for a hint of heat.
- Seedy Goodness: Include a mix of toasted seeds such as sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
- Fruity Fusion: Mix in diced apples, sliced strawberries, or chunks of ripe mango for a fruity explosion of flavors.
- Nutrient Boost: Enhance the nutritional profile by adding roasted chickpeas or quinoa to the salad for protein and fiber.
- Tangy Dressing Variation: Experiment with different vinegars like balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or raspberry vinegar to customize the dressing’s tanginess.
- Greens Galore: Instead of a packaged salad blend, use a mix of arugula, baby spinach, and romaine lettuce for a diverse and colorful salad base.