During the most wonderful time of the year, many of us will indulge in sweets and goodies because everyone knows that carbs and sugar don’t count during the holidays. Balance out the treats with a green dish that has a holiday twist! Try this seasonal winter house salad; whether it be for your work potluck or family dinner, you don’t have to feel guilty later. This Pomegranate Salad with Candied Walnuts is the perfect healthy addition to outweigh the inevitable sugary goodness that you may have during the holidays. Featuring a delicious fig vinaigrette with seasonal produce and fruit, this simple yet flavorful salad is a great light option to up your nutrients this season. Spinach, pomegranate, and figs are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that aid in digestion, so give this winter salad a try when you are feeling sluggish from all of the cakes, pies, and cookies. It may become your new holiday staple!

Pomegranate Salad w/ Candied Walnuts and Balsamic Fig Dressing

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups raw walnuts
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper
• flaky sea salt
• 6 cups mixed greens, I use baby kale and spinach
• 2 cups arugula
• 2 cups POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Seeds
• 1 blood or cara cara orange, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fig preserves
• kosher salt and black pepper

Instructions

• 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the walnuts with the maple syrup, cinnamon, crushed red pepper, and salt. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring twice throughout cooking, until the walnuts are toasted. Remove from the oven and spread the walnuts in one layer. Sprinkle with flaky salt.
• 2. Add the greens to a large salad bowl. Add the pomegranate seeds, oranges (if using), cranberries, goat cheese, and walnuts. Gently toss the salad.
• 3. To make the dressing. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and shake to combine. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!