I was recently looking for a dish to take to a holiday party. Sometimes I feel like everyone brings an appetizer, so I thought something to accompany dinner would be a great idea....and I was exactly right in choosing THIS dish to bring. Not only was it beautiful and totally festive, but it tasted great too. This salad should definitely be on your holiday table!
Note: I give estimates for ingredients, but adjust to accommodate the number you are serving
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups spinach / arugula / mixed greens of your choice
- arils from 1-2 pomegranates (depending on size and how much you like them)
- dried cranberries (optional, for extra texture/flavor)
- 5oz container goat cheese
- 2c chopped walnuts, pecans, or combination of both
- 1/4c pure maple syrup (can use a little more depending on how many nuts you add)
- 1tsp salt
- 2/3c olive oil
- 1/2c balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp fig preserves
- salt and pepper to taste
1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend well. Set aside in an airtight container until you are ready to serve the salad.
2. Put chopped nuts in a small bowl and toss with maple syrup and salt. Spread in one layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring 2-3 times during the baking time. Allow nuts to cool completely before adding them to the salad. (tip: I put my baking sheet on the front porch since it was about 20 degrees....they cooled very quickly that way)
3. When you are ready to serve the salad, layer the ingredients. I put half of the greens in the bowl, topped with a bit of pomegranate, cranberries, cheese, and nuts.....and then repeated the layers again so that everything is nicely distributed throughout. I served the dressing on the side so that the greens didn't get soggy.
