Save to Pinterest A vibrant, festive salad featuring crisp greens, juicy pomegranate, savory hard salami, and creamy cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This salad has become a holiday favorite in my family because it combines fresh, crunchy, and savory flavors in one bowl.
Ingredients
- Salad Base: 5 oz (140 g) mixed baby greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, radicchio), 1 small red apple cored and thinly sliced, 1/2 cup (90 g) pomegranate seeds, 1/3 cup (40 g) sliced roasted almonds
- Protein & Cheese: 4 oz (115 g) hard salami sliced into thin strips, 2 oz (60 g) feta cheese or goat cheese crumbled
- Dressing: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple slices, pomegranate seeds, and roasted almonds.
- Step 2:
- Add the sliced hard salami and crumbled feta or goat cheese.
- Step 3:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Step 5:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra pomegranate seeds and almonds if desired.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this salad brings the family together each holiday season and is always a hit at our gatherings.
Additional Tips
For extra crunch add thinly sliced celery or cucumber. Substitute feta with blue cheese or omit cheese for a dairy-free option.
Pairings
This salad pairs well with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a festive sparkling wine enhancing the flavors beautifully.
Variations
For a vegetarian version omit the salami and add extra nuts or seeds for protein and texture.
Save to Pinterest This salad is a perfect balance of sweet savory and tangy making it ideal for festive occasions and everyday meals.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, omit the salami and increase cheese or nuts for protein. It remains flavorful and festive.
- → What dressing complements this salad?
A simple vinaigrette with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard enhances the flavors perfectly.
- → Are there suggested cheese alternatives?
Feta or goat cheese work well, but blue cheese or dairy-free options can be used to suit tastes.
- → Can I add extra crunch to this salad?
Thinly sliced celery or cucumber can be included for additional texture and freshness.
- → Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, if certified gluten-free salami and cheese are selected, this salad fits gluten-free needs.