Description
This Fall Harvest Salad celebrates the best of autumn with crisp greens, juicy pomegranate seeds, creamy feta, and toasted nuts, all tossed in a honey balsamic dressing. Ready in just 25 minutes, this vibrant salad delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, making it ideal for Thanksgiving or any cozy fall meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Salad Base:
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and butter lettuce)
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds (about 1 large pomegranate)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese for a creamier texture)
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans (toasted)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- For the Honey Balsamic Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Greens: Wash mixed greens thoroughly and dry completely using a salad spinner. This ensures the dressing clings to the leaves instead of sliding off.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently combine greens, pomegranate seeds, feta, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Toast the Nuts: Spread walnuts or pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until fragrant. Let cool completely before adding to salad.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Toss and Serve: Add cooled nuts to salad, drizzle dressing over just before serving, and toss gently to coat evenly.
Notes
Tips:
- Dress only before serving to prevent wilting.
- Toast nuts up to a week in advance and store in an airtight container.
- Store dressing separately for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Substitute feta with vegan cheese or avocado for plant-based variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook / Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
Keywords: fall salad, harvest salad, pomegranate feta salad, autumn side dish, healthy salad