Walnuts & Pomegranate Jewels Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant and heartwarming salad that bursts with textures and flavors, this Festive Roasted Veggie Salad with Feta, Walnuts & Pomegranate Jewels will quickly become your new favorite. The secret magic lies in the perfect harmony between the earthy roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, the tangy feta, and the irresistible crunch and sweetness brought by walnuts and pomegranate jewels. Every bite offers a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that feel festive enough for special occasions yet simple enough for any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a star role, adding a distinct taste, texture, or color that makes the Walnuts & Pomegranate Jewels salad truly shine. The combination is simple but thoughtfully crafted so your salad bursts with freshness and seasonal delight.

• Butternut squash cubes: Roasting these brings out a sweet, nutty flavor and tender texture.
• Brussels sprouts, halved: These add a slight earthiness and crisp caramelization when roasted.
• Red onion, sliced: Offers a subtle sharpness that mellows wonderfully during roasting.
• Olive oil: Essential for roasting veggies and dressing, it provides a healthy richness.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth that elevates the roasted vegetables beautifully.
• Salt & pepper: The simplest seasoning that enhances all flavors perfectly.
• Crumbled feta: Brings a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet and roasted elements.
• Toasted walnuts, chopped: Their crunch and slight bitterness balance the sweetness of the pomegranate jewels.
• Pomegranate seeds: These jewels burst with juicy tartness and offer stunning contrast in both color and taste.
• Mixed greens: Fresh arugula, spinach, or spring mix add a peppery freshness and vibrant base.
• Dressing ingredients: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper come together for a tangy-sweet drizzle that ties everything wonderfully.

How to Make Walnuts & Pomegranate Jewels

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Veggies

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and red onion slices with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread everything evenly on a baking sheet so each piece caramelizes beautifully. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until veggies are tender and have a lovely golden-brown color that promises rich flavor.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

While the veggies roast, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create a balanced dressing. The honey adds the perfect touch of sweetness to complement the smoky paprika and the natural sugars from the roasted vegetables.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Arrange the mixed greens on a large platter or individual plates as your fresh base. Layer on the warm roasted veggies, then sprinkle over crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, and the pomegranate jewels for a burst of color and flavor. Drizzle everything generously with your balsamic-honey dressing, allowing it to mingle with each ingredient beautifully.

Step 4: Serve Warm or Room Temperature

This delightful salad can be served warm straight from the oven for comforting, cozy vibes or at room temperature for an easy, make-ahead meal that still dazzles the taste buds. Either way, the flavors marry perfectly and the texture combination shines.

How to Serve Walnuts & Pomegranate Jewels

Garnishes

Add freshly chopped herbs like parsley or mint to brighten the dish and introduce a fresh herbal note. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can enhance the complexity of the walnuts and feta, while extra pomegranate jewels on top elevate the festive feel.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a star side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or pan-seared fish. It also pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of that tangy dressing and roasted vegetable goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in individual glass jars or deep bowls layered to showcase the colorful walnuts & pomegranate jewels visually. Alternatively, use it as a vibrant topping for grain bowls, mixing the roasted veggies and dressing with quinoa or farro for a heartier meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the dressing freshly before serving to keep the greens crisp and the walnuts crunchy.

Freezing

Roasted vegetables freeze well, so you can keep the leftover butternut squash and Brussels sprouts in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. However, avoid freezing the full salad with fresh greens and pomegranate jewels to maintain their vibrant texture.

Reheating

Reheat roasted vegetables gently in a skillet or oven at low heat until warmed through, and then assemble your salad with fresh mixed greens, walnuts, pomegranate jewels, and freshly crumbled feta. This way, you keep the salad bright and flavorful even after reheating.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully if you want a slightly different crunch or flavor, but walnuts give that perfect earthy bitterness that balances the sweetness of the pomegranate jewels best.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, simply skip the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. The walnuts & pomegranate jewels will still give plenty of texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to keep the pomegranate seeds fresh?

Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container and add them last to your salad right before serving. This prevents them from losing their juicy pop and bright color.

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may naturally separate over time.

What makes the smoked paprika important in this recipe?

Smoked paprika brings a subtle warmth and smoky depth that enhances the roasted veggies without overpowering them. It also adds a beautiful color that complements the walnuts & pomegranate jewels perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste this wonderful Festive Roasted Veggie Salad with Feta, Walnuts & Pomegranate Jewels, it will become a joyful staple in your kitchen. It’s truly a celebration on a plate—inviting you to enjoy seasonal flavors in a fresh, colorful, and healthy way. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the happiness it brings!

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