Calm Christmas Starters: Pomegranate Arugula Salad
A refreshing beginning that mirrors clarity and calm.
This bright, festive salad captures the peaceful spirit of the season — crisp arugula for balance, sweet pomegranate for joy, and a touch of citrus for renewal. Just as deep breathing restores focus and meditation clears the mind, this dish refreshes and resets the body. Light, clean, and full of life, it’s the perfect start to a calm Christmas meal.
INGREDIENTS
5 cups fresh arugula (or baby spinach for a milder base)
1 cup pomegranate seeds
1 small pear or apple, thinly sliced
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
¼ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and slightly emulsified.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, layer arugula, fruit slices, and pomegranate seeds.
Add toppings: Sprinkle with goat cheese and toasted nuts.
Finish: Drizzle dressing just before serving and toss gently to coat.
Serve & Savor
Serve chilled or at room temperature, ideally on a white platter that lets the ruby pomegranate and emerald greens shine. Pair it with soft instrumental music and a few deep breaths before eating — a moment of calm before the festive feast.
Light yet grounding, this salad is a reminder that stillness and nourishment often come in the simplest forms.
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