Arugula Pomegranate Salad with Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette

The perfect mix of fresh, tangy, and sweet!

You know those days when you just want something light, refreshing, but still packed with flavor? This Arugula Pomegranate Salad has become my go-to for fall, and I have a feeling you’re going to love it as much as I do. There’s something about that peppery bite of fresh arugula, the sweetness of pomegranate arils, and the creaminess of goat cheese that’s just chef’s kiss. And when you toss it all together with a super simple balsamic vinaigrette? Total salad magic.

This salad is great on its own as a light lunch, but it also makes the perfect side dish for a holiday table or cozy fall dinner. And trust me—once you try that vinaigrette, you’ll be making it for everything. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how you love it! You’ll be feeling good from the inside out with every bite.

Arugula Pomegranate Salad

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Oh, how I love arugula, also known as "rocket" in Italy! You'll immediately know when you find good arugula because it brings a burst of flavor and freshness like no other.

Arugula's secret? Glucosinolates! These natural substances infuse it with that delightful peppery flavor and scent. Arugula may also help reduce inflammation!

Don’t forget to pair this salad with my famous Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing!

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Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Servings 8

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Equipment

• large salad bowl
• salad spinner

Ingredients

  

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• 4 cups organic arugula
• ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup pomegranate arils (seeds)
• ½ cup goat cheese cut into small pieces
• Christine's Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing click ingredient for recipe

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Instructions

 

• Place the arugula in a large salad bowl.
  4 cups organic arugula
• Evenly distribute the pomegranate arils over the arugula to create a vibrant red topping.
  1 cup pomegranate arils (seeds)
• Add the goat cheese pieces evenly over the pomegranate.
  ½ cup goat cheese
• Distribute the candied nuts evenly across the salad.
  ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
  Christine's Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
• Serve immediately.

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Cooking Tips for the Perfect Salad

1. Get the freshest arugula: If you can find arugula at your local farmers’ market, grab it! Fresh arugula has the best peppery flavor, and you’ll notice the difference immediately.
2. Make the vinaigrette in advance: This balsamic vinaigrette is so easy to whip up and stays good in the fridge for a week. Make a batch on Sunday, and use it on salads all week long! Pro tip—shake it up in a mason jar instead of whisking. It’s less messy and stores easily.
3. Toast your nuts: Toasting the pecans or walnuts before you candy them brings out even more flavor. Just toss them in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they’re golden and fragrant. It’s an extra step that makes a big difference!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Love

• Mason Jar: For shaking up that balsamic vinaigrette without the mess.
• Salad Spinner: I swear by my salad spinner to get that arugula nice and dry. Dressing sticks better when the greens are dry, so don’t skip this step!
• Whisk: A medium-sized whisk will help you easily emulsify the vinaigrette, but if you don’t have one, just shake it in the jar.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting the pomegranate arils out cleanly. I like to score the outside, then gently pry the sections open over a bowl of water. The seeds sink, and the pith floats. Easy!

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

But it’s not just about the flavors—this salad is also loaded with health benefits, especially for women over 50. I’m all about delicious food that’s good for you, so let’s break down why you need this in your life.

Health Benefits of Arugula Pomegranate Salad

1. Arugula for Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Arugula, or “rocket” as they call it in Italy, is one of those leafy greens that’s just full of good-for-you nutrients. It contains glucosinolates, which help reduce inflammation. For women over 50, managing inflammation is key to keeping joints and muscles in tip-top shape, which is even more important as we age. Studies published have shown that arugula’s compounds may help reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to a range of health issues from arthritis to heart disease. Plus, it’s low-calorie but high in flavor—perfect for maintaining a healthy diet without sacrificing taste.

2. Pomegranate for Heart Health

Pomegranates are not only gorgeous with their ruby-red seeds but they’re also packed with antioxidants, particularly polyphenols. These antioxidants can support heart health by reducing oxidative stress and lowering blood pressure, both of which are essential for women over 50. Regularly consuming pomegranate juice or seeds may even help improve cardiovascular function and reduce the risk of heart disease. And who wouldn’t want a delicious way to keep their heart healthy?

3. Goat Cheese for Calcium and Digestive Health

I’m all about adding a bit of creamy goat cheese to balance the textures here. Did you know goat cheese is easier to digest than cow’s milk cheese? That’s because it contains less lactose and has smaller fat globules, making it gentler on your stomach. It’s also a great source of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining bone health as we age.

4. Nuts for Healthy Fats

Whether you choose candied pecans or walnuts, you’re adding a dose of healthy fats to this salad. These fats are important for brain health and can even help reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we get older. Plus, they add the perfect crunch and sweetness to round out the salad.