Padma Lakshmi’s New Salad Recipe Is the Ultimate Instagram-Worthy Holiday Dish Celebrity chef and cookbook author Padma Lakshmi is turning heads this season by offering a simple yet striking salad that is as Instagram-ready as it is flavour-rich. When the former host of Top Chef launched her new cookbook, Padma’s All American, she revealed more than just recipes and went ahead to share a fresh vision for holiday entertaining. Among her suggestions is a luminous little side dish.“It’s basically just mozzarella, pomegranate, mint, olive oil and balsamic,” Lakshmi told EatingWell. This salad stands out for its bright red pomegranate arils that are contrasted with white mozzarella balls, making it a festive show-stopper. It’s minimalist simplicity lies in the fact that with only five main ingredients, it speaks to the modern host who hates fuss but craves polish.
Padma Lakshmi Shares the Secret to Effortless, Elegant Holiday Entertaining With Just 5 Ingredients!
It is a cross-cultural flavour that fits Padma’s brand. She references kale, green apples and pomegranate combinations in the book, an example of her Indian-heritage chef identity meeting mainstream Western flavours. Padma advised first-time hosts, “Do at least three-quarters of your prep ahead of time … then relax with a glass of wine while your guests arrive.”
Why it’s trending now
As the holiday season approaches, entertaining fatigue is real as readers are craving one-dish solutions that deliver style and ease. This salad hits both marks. Plus, its colour palette and texture make it highly “shareable” on social feeds, aligning perfectly with Gen Z and millennial hosting culture.
A recipe for Thanksgiving Salad, made with pears, parmesan and pomegranate seeds, is displayed in New York. (Image: Cheyenne M. Cohen via AP)
How to make it your own
Beyond the base five ingredients, Padma’s spice staples like Kashmiri chile powder, za’atar and sumac offer ways to tweak and personalise. Think: sprinkle za’atar over the mozzarella-pom combo for an herby edge or drizzle olive oil infused with sumac for a subtle citrus-pepper kick.Ingredients:Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)Pomegranate arilsFresh mint leavesExtra-virgin olive oilBalsamic vinegarSalt, to tasteOptional twists (from Padma’s pantry):A pinch of Kashmiri chili powder for gentle heatA sprinkle of za’atar or sumac for citrusy depthMethod:Assemble the base: In a shallow serving bowl, scatter the mozzarella balls.Add colour and texture: Spoon pomegranate arils on top for bursts of tart sweetness.Fresh lift: Tear fresh mint leaves and scatter generously.Dress it: Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and a few drops of balsamic vinegar.Finish: Season lightly with salt. Toss gently to coat everything just before serving.Padma’s tip: She recommended doing most prep ahead, “Get everything ready, then relax with a glass of wine while your guests arrive.” The result is a bright, festive salad that’s fresh, minimal and effortlessly elegant — perfect for holiday tables or quick entertaining.
Takeaway
If you are hosting this season or simply want a salad that pulls double duty on aesthetics and flavour, this one is worth bookmarking. It encapsulates the modern trend of “elevated minimalism” in food with fewer ingredients, maximum effect, cultural crossover and an easy-to-execute format that doesn’t sacrifice sophistication.
Dining and Cooking