first thing’s first – salad. It’s very simple and refreshing and sweet, with juicy pomegranate seeds and fresh pears, just the thing for when you’re not feeling too much like eating a traditional salad but want to get your greens in. Making the dressing, which uses pomegranate molasses, honey, and mustard, is a must. The only thing I changed was the ratios of the pomegranate gremolata to the greens and of the greens to the dressing – the original recipe was made to serve 10, and I certainly can’t eat 10 servings worth of the same salad before it goes bad. I also like my salads a little bit fruit-heavy, so that’s reflected below.

Pomegranate & Pear Salad

Arugula Salad with Pears and Pomegranate Gremolata

Serves 4.

  • 1/2 c. pomegranate arils
  • 2 TBS fresh, finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/2 small shallot, peeled and finely minced
  • 1/4 tsp freshly grated orange zest
  • 2 TBS olive oil
  • 1 TBS pomegranate molasses
  • 1 TBS red wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp honey
  • 1 1/2 tsp mustard
  • 5 oz. arugula, washed and dried
  • 1-2 ripe Bosc pears, thinly sliced
  1. To make the gremolata, combine the pomegranate, parsley, shallot, and orange zest in a small bowl. Set aside.
  2. Make the dressing by vigorously whisking together the olive oil, pomegranate molasses, vinegar, honey, and mustard. Season to taste with salt. Pour the dressing over the greens and toss to coat. Divide the greens among 4 plates, and top each plate with a few slices of pear and 2 heaping TBS of the pomegranate gremolata. Serve immediately.

Dining and Cooking