Pomegranate and Walnut Salad (Printable View)

Vibrant winter fruit salad with pomegranate seeds, walnuts, orange, apple, and pear in a light citrus-cinnamon dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fresh Fruits

01 - 1 large pomegranate, seeds extracted
02 - 1 large navel orange, peeled and segmented
03 - 1 crisp apple, cored and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
04 - 1 ripe pear, cored and diced into 1/2-inch pieces

→ Nuts and Seeds

05 - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
07 - 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

→ Dressing Components

08 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon honey or pure maple syrup
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 - 1 pinch sea salt

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped

# How to Make:

01 - Combine pomegranate seeds, orange segments, diced apple, and diced pear in a large salad bowl. Ensure all pieces are evenly sized for consistent texture.
02 - Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds over the fruit mixture. Distribute uniformly throughout the bowl.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and sea salt in a small bowl until fully emulsified and smooth.
04 - Drizzle the prepared dressing over the fruit and nut mixture. Gently toss with salad servers to coat all ingredients evenly without damaging the fruit pieces.
05 - Top with chopped fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately for optimal texture, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between juicy pomegranate, crisp apple, and the earthy crunch of walnuts creates a texture that keeps every bite interesting.
  • It comes together in fifteen minutes but looks like something you would order at a fancy restaurant.
02 -
  • Letting this salad sit too long will cause the apples and pears to oxidize and lose their appeal. Dress it right before serving for the best presentation.
  • The cinnamon in the dressing might seem unusual, but it bridges the gap between the tart fruit and the earthy nuts in a way that feels natural and comforting.
03 -
  • Buy pomegranates that feel heavy for their size and have unbroken skin. They will have the juiciest seeds.
  • If you are making this ahead, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep everything crisp and bright.
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