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Best Easy Apple Pomegranate Salad

apple pomegranate salad - featured image

A crisp, juicy, and tangy salad with apples, pomegranate seeds, toasted pecans, and creamy feta, all tossed in a light maple-citrus dressing. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s perfect for fall gatherings or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 large pomegranate, seeds removed (about 1 cup arils)
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and toast, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened. Remove from pan and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the pomegranate: Cut the pomegranate in half horizontally. Hold one half over a bowl, cut side down, and hit the back firmly with a wooden spoon to release the seeds. Discard any white pith. Repeat with the other half.
  3. Slice the apples: Core the apples and slice thinly (about 1/8-inch thick). Toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning if not serving immediately.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk or shake until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens. Pour about half the dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat.
  6. Add the toppings: Scatter sliced apples, pomegranate seeds, toasted pecans, crumbled feta, and red onion (if using) over the dressed greens. Drizzle remaining dressing on top.
  7. Toss and serve: Gently toss everything together until combined. Serve immediately.

Notes

Toast pecans until fragrant but watch closely to avoid burning. Dry greens thoroughly to prevent watery salad. Add dressing gradually to avoid overdressing. Slice apples just before serving to minimize browning. For best texture, serve immediately after assembling.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pomegranate salad, fall salad, easy salad, healthy salad, maple citrus dressing, Thanksgiving salad