This pomegranate goat cheese salad recipe is a beautiful and delicious winter salad! Simple enough for an easy healthy lunch or dinner, yet elegant enough to serve your next holiday party. The combination of goat cheese pomegranate flavors compliment each other perfectly. The crunch from the pecans and apples give it an amazing texture. Personally, I recommend making this an arugula salad as the spiciness adds another layer of flavor. If you prefer a more mild green, I recommend making this a spinach salad. I also recommend Marzetti Simply balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The flavor of that dressing is the perfect balance of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Using a store bought dressing makes this recipe easy enough for a beginner cook.
Beyond the beauty, flavor and crunch, you will love how simple this salad is to make. Prep time is less than ten minutes total! Slicing the apples is the most “difficult” part and honestly I don’t think I can call that difficult. If you want to make it as easy as possible, purchase pre-sliced apples and pomegranate seeds instead of the whole fruit.
Ingredients in a Pomegranate Goat Cheese Salad Recipes
6 oz Arugula
1/3 Cup Pecans 
1/3 Cup Crumbled goat cheese
½ Cup Pomegranate seeds
1 Medium Apple, sliced
1/2 Cup Marzetti’s Simply Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing
How to Make the Pomegranate Goat Cheese Salad
- Place arugula in a large bowl
- Slice your apple into wedges and place on top of the arugula.
- Sprinkle pecans over top of salad
- Sprinkle goat cheese over top of salad
- Sprinkle Pomegranate seeds over top of salad
- Top with dressing when ready to serve
Tips for Success
- Apples Slices: To keep the pieces around the same size, I recommend you use an apple slicer/corer. Then slice the thick chunks of apple into
smaller pieces. - Keep Your Apples Fresh: If you are bringing to a party you want your apples to look fresh. To prevent browning, I recommend soaking your apple slices in a combination of 1 cup of cold water and 1 TBSP lemon juice for 10 minutes. Dry with a paper towel and add to the top of the salad when you get to the party.
- To prevent this salad from getting soggy, do not add the salad dressing until you are ready to serve and eat.
smaller pieces. FAQ and Variations of Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Salad
Q: I don’t like arugula, what other greens can I use?
A: Baby spinach or a spring mix are milder flavored greens that you can easily substitute in this Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Salad.
Q: Are there any other cheeses that I can use instead of goat cheese crumbles?
A: Blue cheese crumbles are an excellent substitute for goat cheese if you are looking for a different variety. 
Q: Can I use candied pecans instead of regular pecans?
A: Yes, if you want to add more sweetness to this salad use candied pecans instead of regular pecans?
Q: Are there any other nuts I can use instead of pecans?
A: Yes, walnuts are an excellent substitute for pecans in this recipe. In fact a spinach, blue cheese and walnut salad would be an excellent variation of this recipe.
Q: Is this an easy salad recipe for a beginner cook?
A: Yes! This salad only takes 10 mins to prep, but the combination of flavors and textures will make you look like an expert chef!!
Q: I can’t find or don’t like Marzetti’s Simply Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing. Can I use something else?
A: Yes, you can use your favorite Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing or even make one yourself. .
Q: How can I add more protein to this salad
A: To add protein to this salad I recommend adding grilled or rotisserie chicken.
Q: What kind of apples should I use in this salad?
A: For a tangy flavor I use Green Apples. If you prefer something sweeter, use a gala apple.
Pomegranate Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients
- 6 oz Arugula
- 1 Medium Green apple, sliced
- 1/3 Cup Pecan halves or pieces
- 1/3 Cup Crumbled goat cheese
- 1/3 Cup Pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 Cup Marzetti’s Simply Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing (or your favorite Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing )
Instructions
- Place arugula in large bowl
- Slice apple into wedges and place on top of arugula. I use an apple corer and slicer to keep the pieces a uniform size.
- Sprinkle pecans over salad
- Sprinkle goat cheese over salad
- Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over salad
- Top with dressing when ready to serve ½
Nutrition
About the Author
Rachel Roberts is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist in Rhode Island, a Certified Personal Trainer, business owner, mom, wife, and self-proclaimed foodie with over 20 years of experience in the field of health and wellness. She believes that healthy eating should not be complicated or time-consuming. Follow her on YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram for more Dietitian approved recipes and tips to optimize your health.
Need some help getting your health on track? Rachel and her team of Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists help people lose weight and achieve their health and wellness goals! Meet in person with one of our Nutritionists in RI. We also offer online nutrition coaching sessions to people in RI, MA, CT and FL. Click here to schedule a consultation. In most cases our nutritionists are 100% covered by health insurance
