Apple Cinnamon Pomegranate Pecan Salad

Festive Pomegranate Salad

I recently ended up with tons of pecans from my grandpa’s (or Abuelito, as I call him) pecan tree. So along with making Pomegranate Pecan Cottage Cheese Parfait and Pecan Pie Pancakes, I knew this festive pomegranate salad was at the top of my list! I’ve been making it for years and I absolutely love how easy and beautiful it is.

It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy enough for a dinner party but is simple enough to toss together on a weeknight. The mix of crisp apples, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and juicy pomegranate arils gives it the perfect balance of flavors and textures, providing fresh, sweet, pungent, and nutty flavors all at once. Then, the maple cinnamon vinaigrette ties everything together with a warm, spiced sweetness that feels just right for fall and winter! It’s light yet flavorful, coating every bite without weighing the greens down. I’m so obsessed and I know you will be, too!

RELATED: Roasted Pumpkin Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious – Made with simple, whole food ingredients, this pomegranate salad provides an excellent source of vitamins, nutrients, fiber, healthy fats, and even some calcium. Add a protein source, and you’ve got a super filling meal. 
• Versatile – This salad is extremely forgiving. So, feel free to mix and match any ingredients you have on hand. 
• Quick & Easy – There’s absolutely zero cooking required! Just chop the apples, whisk the dressing, toss, and enjoy! 
• Special Diet-Friendly – As written, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, but it can easily be made dairy-free and nut-free to suit a variety of dietary needs. 

Ingredients

Salad 

• Greens – I like to use arugula for a slightly peppery flavor base, but spinach, mixed greens, or even lettuce are all great. 
• Apples – Crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady work best. Slice them thinly or cube them just before serving to prevent browning.
• Cheese – Crumbled goat cheese gives the salad a creamy, pungent flavor.  Feta or blue cheese also works if you prefer a sharper taste.
• Pecans – Substitute walnuts, almonds, or even candied pecans. Or, omit the nuts completely. 
• Pomegranate Arils – I like to save time by buying packaged, ready-to-eat pomegranate seeds! 

Maple Cinnamon Vinaigrette

• Olive Oil – This forms the base of the dressing. I don’t recommend using any other type of oil, or the flavor won’t be the same. 
• White Wine Vinegar – Adds acidity that balances the fats and provides a touch of sweetness. Champagne vinegar or apple cider vinegar both work well, too. 
• Dijon Mustard 
• Maple Syrup – Use honey if preferred. 
• Cinnamon 
• Salt

How to Make the BEST Pomegranate Salad

Who said healthy food had to be boring? This salad could not be easier! It comes together in minutes, and all you need is a large bowl and a mason jar or salad dressing shaker. Here’s how to make an Apple Cinnamon Pomegranate Salad with Pecans: 

1. Prep the produce – Slice or cube the apples, and add them to a large salad bowl with arugula and pecans. 
2. Layer and toss – Add the crumbled goat cheese and pomegranate arils, and lightly toss to combine. 
3. Make the dressing – Shake or whisk all the dressing ingredients in a mason jar or salad dressing shaker. 
4. Serve – Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss to combine. Enjoy! 

You’ll Also Love: Roasted Chickpea Fall Salad

Tips

• Slice or cube the apples as desired. For a more elegant presentation, slice the apples super thinly. For a heartier, easy-to-eat salad, cube them into bite-sized pieces. Either way, toss them lightly in lemon juice to prevent browning if you’re not serving the salad right away.
• Toast the pecans for extra flavor. A quick 5-7 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat enhances the nutty flavor and adds crunch. 
• Toss just before serving. I like to add the dressing right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. 
• Adjust the ingredients. One of the great things about salads is that there’s really no right or wrong way to make them. Add more or less of any of the ingredients you love to make it your own. 

RELATED: Shaved Fennel Salad

Variations

• Add protein. Turn this into a main dish by adding grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, salmon, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Add avocado. I love to add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and a boost of healthy fats. 
• Try a different fruit. Swap out or add to the apples with sliced pears, dried cranberries, or even oranges for a fun twist that still feels seasonal.
• Use a different dressing. Feel free to swap the vinaigrette with any store-bought or homemade dressing you like best. Honey mustard dressing or poppy seed dressing make tasty substitutes! 

Serving Suggestions 

This pomegranate salad is a staple on my holiday table alongside baked ham and herb butter roasted turkey. However, it’s also great to serve as a side dish with easy weeknight options like my sage chicken meatballs, creamy pumpkin pasta, or potato leek soup. 

Or, turn your salad into a complete meal by topping it with baked chicken breasts, steak pieces, shrimp, or salmon! 

How to Store

Prep Ahead – This pomegranate salad is best served right away. However, if you want to prepare in advance, you can wash and chop the greens, toast the pecans (if desired), and make the dressing ahead of time. Slice the apples right before serving to keep them from browning, or toss them with a little lemon juice before storing. Then, just assemble the ingredients when you’re ready to serve. 

Refrigerator – If possible, I recommend storing the salad and dressing in separate airtight containers. The salad will stay fresh in the fridge for 1-2 days, and the dressing will keep for up to 1 week! 

More Delicious Salad Recipes

• Sweet Potato Quinoa Beet Salad
• Tandoori Paneer Salad
• Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad
• Golden Beet Pecan Detox Salad
• Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad w/ Cranberries
• Fig & Goat Cheese Salad

More Ways to Use Pomegranates 

• Pomegranate Breakfast Parfait
• Pomegranate Pecan Cottage Cheese Parfait
• Sage Chicken Meatballs Wild Rice Bowls
• Maple Butternut Squash Quinoa Breakfast Bake
• Kale & Brussels Sprouts Curry Quinoa Salad
• Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad