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Festive Arugula Salad with Citrus, Blue Cheese & Pomegranate

This vibrant and refreshing salad, often enjoyed during the holiday season, is a delightful fusion of peppery arugula, sweet mandarin oranges, crisp apples, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy pecans, all brought together with a luscious honey vinaigrette. Known in some Mediterranean regions as 'Insalata Natalizia' (Christmas Salad), this dish celebrates the balance of flavors and textures that make winter produce shine. The addition of pomegranate seeds, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in Greek and Middle Eastern traditions, enhances both the visual appeal and the nutritional value of the salad. Whether served as a starter or a light main course, this dish is a testament to the beauty of seasonal ingredients and the joy of festive gatherings.

Starter | Mediterranean | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Halal | Kosher | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Vegetarian | Garden Salad | Grater | Jar | Knife | Mixing Bowl | Apple | Arugula | Pecan | Pomegranate | Chopping | Mixing | Tossing | Whisking | Christmas | Festive | Under 15 Minutes
Time to complete

Prep

15min

Cook

0 minutes

Wait

0 minutes

Total

15min

Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients

  • 5 oz (140 g) arugula
  • 2 medium mandarin oranges, peeled and separated into wedges (~1 cup / 150 g)
  • 1 large apple, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (75 g) blue cheese, crumbled (or goat cheese or feta cheese)
  • ⅓ cup (55 g) pomegranate seeds
  • ¼ cup (30 g) pecans, chopped or halved

Vinaigrette

  • 6 tbsp (90 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice)
  • 1½ tbsp (22 ml) honey
  • ⅛ tsp (0.5 g) sea salt, to taste
  • ⅛ tsp (0.5 g) black pepper, to taste
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 14
  • Protein: 4
  • Carbohydrates: 12
  • Fiber: 2
Directions

Assembling the Salad

  • 1. In a large bowl or on a serving platter, arrange the arugula, mandarin orange wedges, apple slices, crumbled blue cheese, pomegranate seeds, and pecans.

Preparing the Vinaigrette

  • 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Finishing Touches

  • 3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Method

  • For a warm variation, lightly sauté the apple slices and pecans before adding them to the salad.

Alternative Proteins

  • Top with grilled chicken or smoked salmon for a heartier meal.

Bold Flavor Enhancements

  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the vinaigrette for a warm, spiced note.

Healthier Variation

  • Replace blue cheese with a lower-fat option like feta or omit cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.

Ingredient Selection

  • Use fresh, ripe mandarins for the best sweetness and juiciness.

Seasonal Tweaks

  • Swap mandarins for blood oranges or pears for a different seasonal twist.

Serving Suggestion

  • Pair with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red for a balanced meal.

Texture Balance

  • For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the salad.