About This Recipe

Pomegranate arugula salad is the holiday salad that earns more compliments than almost any dish on the table — ruby pomegranate seeds glittering against dark green arugula, golden candied walnuts, shaved Parmesan curls, and a pomegranate vinaigrette that makes every bite taste festive. It takes 15 minutes to assemble and looks like it took hours. This is the December salad Pinterest can't stop sharing every year.

Nutrition estimates based on USDA FoodData Central. Values are per serving and may vary.

Why You'll Love It

  • Ruby pomegranate seeds make this the most beautiful salad at any holiday table
  • Ready in 15 minutes — the fastest impressive dish you can bring to Christmas dinner
  • Pomegranate vinaigrette made from pomegranate juice ties every element together
  • Naturally gluten-free and easily made vegan by omitting the Parmesan

Pomegranate Arugula Salad with Candied Walnuts

Pomegranate Arugula Salad with Candied Walnuts
15 min
Prep
0 min
Cook
15 min
Total
6
Servings
⭐ 4.8
Rating
265
Calories

Ingredients

  • 5oz (140g) baby arugula
  • 1 cup (175g) pomegranate seeds (arils)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) candied walnuts
  • 2oz (55g) Parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler
  • 1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Optional: 2oz (55g) goat cheese crumbles
  • For pomegranate vinaigrette: 3 tbsp pomegranate juice, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 4 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Make the dressing Whisk pomegranate juice, red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard together. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking...
  2. 2Prep the onion Soak sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain. This removes the harsh bite while keeping the crunch and ...
  3. 3Arrange the salad Spread arugula on a large platter (a platter is more dramatic than a bowl for this salad). Scatter pomegranate seeds eve...
  4. 4Add toppings Layer red onion, candied walnuts, shaved Parmesan, and avocado slices artfully over the arugula. If using goat cheese, c...
  5. 5Dress right before serving Drizzle the pomegranate vinaigrette lightly over the salad right before serving — never dress ahead or arugula wilts. Se...

Ingredients

5oz (140g) baby arugula 1 cup (175g) pomegranate seeds (arils) 1/2 cup (60g) candied walnuts 2oz (55g) Parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler 1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced 1 avocado, sliced Optional: 2oz (55g) goat cheese crumbles For pomegranate vinaigrette: 3 tbsp pomegranate juice, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 4 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Make the dressing

    Whisk pomegranate juice, red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard together. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. Taste — it should be bright, slightly sweet, and tangy.

  2. 2

    Prep the onion

    Soak sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain. This removes the harsh bite while keeping the crunch and color.

  3. 3

    Arrange the salad

    Spread arugula on a large platter (a platter is more dramatic than a bowl for this salad). Scatter pomegranate seeds evenly over the greens — they're the star.

  4. 4

    Add toppings

    Layer red onion, candied walnuts, shaved Parmesan, and avocado slices artfully over the arugula. If using goat cheese, crumble it over the top.

  5. 5

    Dress right before serving

    Drizzle the pomegranate vinaigrette lightly over the salad right before serving — never dress ahead or arugula wilts. Serve on the platter for a stunning table presentation.

Pro Tips

🏆 Chef Tips
  • Soak red onion in ice water — 10 minutes transforms harsh raw onion into mellow, crisp, beautiful slices.
  • Use a vegetable peeler for the Parmesan — large shaved curls look spectacular and taste better than grated.
  • To seed a pomegranate: cut in half, hold over a bowl, and whack the back with a wooden spoon — seeds fall out fast.
  • This salad must be dressed at the last moment — arugula wilts quickly once dressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-packed pomegranate arils are sold in the produce section of most grocery stores (Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Costco) from October through January. Much faster than seeding a whole pomegranate.
Dried cranberries, fresh raspberries, or halved red grapes give a similar pop of color and tartness. Pomegranate seeds are most festive but not irreplaceable.
Toss walnuts with 1 tbsp sugar, pinch of cinnamon, and pinch of salt. Cook in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar melts and coats the nuts — about 4 minutes. Cool on parchment.
Grilled salmon, chicken, or shrimp work beautifully. For a full holiday dinner salad, top each serving with 4oz of grilled salmon — the pomegranate vinaigrette pairs perfectly.

Nutrition Per Serving

265
Calories
6g
Protein
20g
Carbs
19g
Fat
4g
Fiber
14g
Sugar
180mg
Sodium
4g
Sat. Fat