Pomegranate Arugula Salad 

This colorful pomegranate arugula salad is fresh and beautiful. You’ll love the well-balanced dressing and sweet tartness from the pomegranate seeds. 

This is honestly one of my favorite salads. Pomegranate arugula salad is nutritious, healthy, and simply delicious. Drizzle with this easy-to-make pomegranate dressing for a spectacular salad. I hope you’ll try it!

Why you’ll love this pomegranate arugula salad with pomegranate dressing

1. Vibrant and refreshing: This salad bursts with vibrant colors and flavors, making it an inviting and visually appealing addition to any meal. The combination of fresh pomegranate seeds, crisp green apples, and peppery arugula creates a refreshing taste experience.
2. Balanced flavors: The homemade pomegranate dressing perfectly balances sweetness from natural honey and tanginess from freshly squeezed lemon juice. It enhances the overall taste of the salad, ensuring it’s not overly sweet or too acidic.
3. Healthy and nutrient-rich: Packed with antioxidants from pomegranate seeds, essential vitamins from green apples, and the nutritional benefits of arugula, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. 
4. Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re looking for a light and healthy lunch, an elegant side dish for a dinner party, or a colorful addition to your holiday spread, this pomegranate arugula salad is versatile enough to fit any occasion.
5. Quick and easy: With a simple pomegranate dressing that comes together in minutes, and minimal prep work for the salad ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare.

Pomegranate Arugula Salad Ingredients and Substitution Notes

Dressing ingredients:

• Pomegranate juice: Pomegranate juice adds a sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color to the dressing. I recommend using 100% pure pomegranate juice without added sugars or preservatives.
• Agave Nectar, Maple Syrup, or Honey: Use natural, unprocessed sweetener to sweeten the dressing.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides acidity and brightness to the dressing. 
• Salt: There are plenty of sweet and sour flavors in this recipe, so go ahead and balance it out with some good seasoning.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and a smooth texture to the pomegranate dressing. My personal recommendation is to use high-quality olive oil for the best results.

Pomegranate Arugula Salad Ingredients:

• Arugula: Fresh arugula serves as the base of the salad, providing a peppery and slightly bitter flavor. You can use a mix of other leaves, like watercress and baby spinach if you like. 
• Green apple: I adore the crisp, tart taste of bright green apples in this pomegranate salad.
• Pomegranate seeds: Fresh pomegranate seeds provide a burst of juicy, sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color. 
• Shallot: It complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. You can also use lovely mild red onions as an alternative.

Pomegranate Arugula Salad Recipe Variations and Add-ins

Nuts:

• Toasted almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds, toasted until golden, provide a delightful crunch.
• Candied pecans: Sweet and crunchy candied pecans are one of my favorite additions to this pomegranate arugula salad.
• Walnuts: Chopped walnuts bring a slightly bitter note that pairs well with the sweetness of pomegranate.
• Extra veggies: Try adding cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado slices (for an added buttery texture and healthy fats), or thinly sliced cucumber.
• Fresh herbs: Add a handful of fresh herbs like mint or basil for a burst of flavor to your pomegranate arugula salad.
• Lemon zest: Grate some lemon zest into the dressing for a fresh twist.

Top Tips for Making the Best Pomegranate Arugula Salad

• Pay attention to the quality of your ingredients: Start with the freshest and highest quality ingredients, especially the arugula, pomegranate seeds, and lemon juice.
• Trick to remove pomegranate seeds: To easily remove pomegranate seeds, cut the fruit in half, hold it over a bowl, cut side down, and gently tap the back with a wooden spoon. The seeds will fall out without breaking the bitter pith.
• Adjust sweetness and acidity: Taste the pomegranate dressing as you go and adjust the sweetener and lemon juice to your preference. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so find the right balance of sweetness and tang for you.
• Don’t overdress: Start by adding a small amount of dressing to the salad and toss it gently. You can always add more pomegranate dressing if needed. Overdressing can make the salad soggy.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the pomegranate dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Wait to add the dressing to the salad until just before serving to keep the arugula crisp.
• Use a sharp knife for the ingredients: When slicing the green apple and shallot, use a sharp knife to ensure clean, even cuts. This improves both the appearance and texture of your pomegranate arugula salad.
• Experiment with seasonal ingredients: Depending on the season, consider incorporating seasonal fruits or vegetables. 
• A different way to serve it: This arugula salad can be a starter, a side dish, or a light meal. Think carefully about what you’re serving it with and adjust portion sizes accordingly.

Make Ahead Instructions and Storage

To streamline meal preparation, you can prepare several elements of this pomegranate arugula salad in advance. 

Firstly, the pomegranate dressing can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

Secondly, you can de-seed the pomegranate and store the seeds in a separate container, refrigerating them for a day or two. Lastly, slicing the green apples and shallots ahead of time and storing them in an airtight container with a squeeze of lemon juice will help prevent browning. However, it’s important to keep the arugula separate until just before serving to maintain its crispness. 

When you’re ready to enjoy the salad, simply toss the components together and drizzle with the prepared pomegranate dressing. Leftover dressed salad should be consumed promptly to avoid wilting. Individual components can be stored separately in the refrigerator for a day or two, allowing you to enjoy the flavors and convenience of this delightful dish over multiple meals.

Serving Suggestions for Pomegranate Arugula Salad

This vibrant pomegranate arugula salad with dressing is incredibly versatile, making it an excellent choice for a range of occasions. As a light and refreshing starter, it sets the stage for a delicious meal. Pair it with my vegan roast turkey or my butternut squash stuffed pasta shells for a well-balanced and nutritious meal. 

Additionally, consider thinking about offering this salad during festive gatherings or holiday feasts as a colorful and healthy addition to your menu. 

The crisp arugula, sweet pomegranate seeds, and tangy dressing are sure to brighten any meal and leave your guests impressed with your culinary skills.

Watch My Pomegranate Arugula Salad Recipe Video

Print