I know, spinach salad is not the most exciting item in the culinary world. I admit it. But this one got two very enthusiastic thumbs up from the husband, who prefers to reserve his excitement for things like a juicy T-bone steak, or falling-off-the-bone barbecue ribs. Every component helps the other one shine. Give it a try.
SPINACH SALAD WITH PEARS AND WALNUTS
(from the Bewitching Kitchen)
for the salad:
a bunch of spinach leaves, preferably baby spinach
a handful of walnuts, lightly toasted with a touch of salt
one or two Bartlett pears, peeled and thinly sliced
feta cheese, crumbled, amount to taste
pomegranate seeds, sprinkled with abandon
for the dressing:
3 tablespoons grape seed oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
a touch of mustard
salt and pepper to taste
Make the dressing by whisking all the ingredients together. I actually prefer to add everything but the oil, so that the salt dissolves well into the vinegar. Whisk the oil, make a nice emulsion and reserve.
Add the spinach leaves to a platter, place all other components on top. Add the dressing, toss the leaves very gently to coat. Serve right away.
ENJOY!
to print the recipe, click here
Comments: I confess to having a problem with pomegranate seeds. I cannot stop grabbing the cups full of them, sold at Dillon’s. I know, who needs to buy that when you can get the fruit and whack it yourself? I can tell you one thing, if you could watch me performing the maneuver of getting seeds off the fruit, you would understand why I avoid doing it. Yes, I’ve tried every single “easy and efficient” method published in magazines, books, and websites. Even the one describe as “The Ultimate Trick for Pomegranate Seeds Removal.” Thanks, but no thanks. But, whatever your method of choice, try this salad, it is really delicious, and elegant enough for company. The juicy pears, the salty feta, the nutty nuts, well… you get the picture.
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Lovely salad!!! and I agree about the pomegranate seeds, I’ve tried every method too, and each time my kitchen ends up looking like a bloody massacre and I find dots of pink juice everywhere, right across the room and all over my clothes!!!! the only method that has worked slightly for me has been extracting the seeds in a big bowl of water, but the juice still manages to get everywhere 😳
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in my arms, sister!!!!
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😊😊😊😊
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I get the seeds out by halving the pomegranate around the equator and hitting the north pole and south pole positions with the back of a big wooden spoon. This has to be done over a big bowl. Then pick out the pith that has fallen in. Easy.
Anything with spinach in is a good thing.
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I am in awe of your pomegranate skills – I did try this method. My kitchen looked like I had butchered a whale.
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Sally, you are so understated!
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😉
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A beautiful salad – wonderful ingredients. I tried frozen pomegranate seeds once – they’re terrible.
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me too!!!! I was so excited when I found them, they are horrible, the texture is pathetic. Never again.
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Yum! barlet pears taste wonderful with fennel but I have never tried them mixed with spinach and pomegranate seeds! Can’t wait to try this salad! Thanks for sharing!
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go for it, you will love it, I am sure!
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And this is what we are having tonight. Like you, without those little red balls.
You continue to be an inspiration. Thank you.
Cheers,
Peter
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comments like yours is pretty much what gives me the energy to go on blogging… did you know that? 😉
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Pears and walnuts, what a classic and great-tasting combination. I’ve opened a pomegranate myself only once, and it was exactly how everyone explained. I was finding pink juice spots weeks later on my white cabinets all around the kitchen. I remember Dillon’s from when I lived in Austin, but I thought it was a department store like a Macy’s?
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I think you might be thinking of Dillard’s? We have one in town.. I never visit.. too expensive 😉
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Ahhh, Dillard’s. Yes you are correct. No I never shopped there either, especially since I was a poor, starving college student at the time. 😀
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I sometimes go when they have their annual sales, but that’s about it…
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