Pomegranate and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts
This salad is a vibrant and flavorful combination of sweet, tart, and savory elements. The juicy pomegranate seeds burst with sweetness, while the tangy goat cheese adds a creamy richness. The candied walnuts provide a crunchy sweetness, and the red onion adds a sharp bite. Fresh mint adds a refreshing herbaceousness, while the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing brings it all together. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a larger meal.
The origins of this salad are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have originated in the Middle East or North Africa. Pomegranates have been cultivated in this region for centuries, and goat cheese is a common ingredient in many Middle Eastern dishes. The combination of these two ingredients is a natural one, and the addition of candied walnuts, red onion, and mint adds a touch of sophistication. This salad has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it can now be found on menus in restaurants around the world.
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
1 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/2 cup candied walnuts
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, candied walnuts, red onion, and mint.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss to combine.
Serve immediately.
Why It Works
The combination of sweet and tart flavors is irresistible.
The creamy goat cheese adds a richness and depth of flavor.
The candied walnuts provide a crunchy textural contrast.
The red onion adds a sharp bite that balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
The fresh mint adds a refreshing herbaceousness that brightens up the salad.
The olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing brings all the flavors together and creates a cohesive dish.