Arugula salad will spice up your greens
Yes, salads can be EXCITING! This arugula blend salad has dried cherries, dried apricots and feta. I think it 's a great balance and contrast of flavors, especially when you drizzle in the pomegranate dressing.
Arugula with pomegranate dressing is just what I am needing.
The feeding frenzy which began with Thanksgiving and ended New Year's Day if finally over. The time has come to think up some light dishes, at least for the foreseeable future. Ok, eating light doesn't mean BORING, not by a long shot.
I buy my arugula a local grocery store in a bag that contains arugula, spinach and red lettuce, but you can make your own blend if you want to.
What benefits of pomegranate come from salad dressing?
Well, as of a few months ago I've discovered there's a component in commercial salad dressings that affects me. This component is xantham gum. This is a thickening agent found in just about every commercial salad dressing, known to man. It's even in ice cream! Yes, I have also make my own ice cream, more on that later.
Here's some history of pomegranates.
Pomegranates are an ancient fruit native to Iran. Its cultivation dates back to 3,000 B.C. As a matter of fact some scholars believe that it was a pomegranate and not an apple that tempted Eve in the garden of Eden. Pomegranates are found in the art and literature of antiquity. They appear in Greek mythology, where they are linked to Persephone, daughter of Demeter- the goddess of the harvest.
Homer's Odyssey also mentions pomegranates; and Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet also makes mention of this fruit. Pomegranates arrived in Egypt via Syria. According to account books, they were an integral part of the food supply of pharaoh's household. Also due to their association with rebirth, King Tut was buried with pomegranates. Wow, pomegranates do have a long history.
If you want to explore more healthy, light recipes, be sure to check out my Chicken in Creamy Saffron Sauce or my Black Bean Salad with Tomatoes, Feta, and Onion.
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Spinach Arugula Salad with Pomegranate Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 cup arugula blend
- 6-8 mint leaves cut into strips
- 2 Tbsp feta crumbled
- 4-6 dried apricots cut into strips
- 1 Tbsp pomegranate seeds
Dressing:
- 3 Tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp pomegranate juice
- 1 shallot diced
- ¼ tsp Kosher salt
- 1 pinch ground pepper fresh
- 1 pinch sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl place all the salad ingredients and toss to mix.
- To make the dressing: Place olive oil, in a bowl. Slowly whisk in the mustard and pomegranate juice. Add the shallot, salt and pepper. Whisk well.
- Serve over salad
Nutrition
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom
No salad is boring when it is made with argula--so much flavor!!
Analida
🙂 you are right Kristen!
Caroline
I love arugula salads and have made another version of a pomegranate dressing so can already imagine how tasty this is - everything has so much great flavor!
Analida
Thanks Caroline! H ow do you make your pomegranate dressing?
Denise Wright
I love peppery arugula! I like your addition of apricots. Such a good idea.
Analida
Thanks Denise! I love dried apricots, I thought their sweetness was a nice contrast to the peppery arugula.
Kati
This looks heavenly. I love pomegranate and it sounds great with the arugula.
Analida
Thanks Kati! It is really good! 🙂
Analida
Thanks KC! 🙂
Joy @ Joy Love Food
I've been on a pomegranate kick these past few months and have one left still in my fridge, I will have to try this salad, it sounds so fresh and delicious!
Analida
It is really good!!! I love the taste of the pomegranate seeds.
Jade @ Jonesin' For Taste
I've been looking for more salads to include in our rotation and we are huge fans of pomegranates! Can't wait to try this!
Analida
Thanks Jade. I hope you like it!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
This is a salad after my own heart. I love the dressing particularly.
Analida
Thanks Michelle!
Beth (OMG! Yummy)
I make a pomegranate dressing with pom molasses! Love this so much Analida!