Holiday Pomegranate and Asparagus Salad

This delicious asparagus salad recipe is a refreshing and healthy addition to any holiday meal. Tossed with pomegranate arils and fresh oranges, it is the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

I’m always trying to find new ways to use asparagus because it’s pretty much the best vegetable ever. Don’t you think? It tastes so good! So I experimented with some fresh holiday flavors and colors and created this festive holiday salad.

Serve this side dish alongside your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast and it will be a bright burst of fresh flavor at your holiday meal. The asparagus, orange wedges and pomegranate are such a tasty trio. You’re going to love it!

What Do I Need to Make Pomegranate Asparagus Salad

Sometimes salads have tons of different ingredients, and sometimes salads are just a few perfectly paired ingredients. This salad recipe is the latter and this is all you will need:

• Asparagus
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt and Black Pepper
• Orange
• Pomegranate Arils
• Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola Cheese
• Butter
• Panko Breadcrumbs
• Balsamic Glaze

The measurements needed of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Substitutions for Blue Cheese

I know there are strong feelings out there about blue cheese, or other strong cheeses like gorgonzola. If you are opposed, go with feta cheese or even parmesan cheese would be a great option.

How to Make Asparagus Pomegranate Salad

You’re just a few simple steps away from a bold holiday salad that will be talk of your family gathering. Here are basic steps:

1. Roast: Place the asparagus spears on a sheet pan and toss them with olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast under the broiler for a few minutes, rotating as needed.
2. Cool: Don’t overcook the asparagus. You want it to have some crispiness left to it. Remove it from the oven and let it cool.
3. Toast: Melt a tablespoon of butter in a small sauté pan and then add the Panko bread crumb. Let them get toasty brown stirring as needed. Then let it cool completely.
4. Toss: Slice the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and toss with the orange segments, orange zest, blue cheese and pomegranate seeds in a large bowl.
5. Drizzle: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and top with the toasted Panko. Serve and enjoy!

These instructions can also be found in the recipe card down below so keep scrolling for all the details.

What to Eat with Holiday Asparagus Salad

While this salad would be great any time of year, I envision eating it during the holiday season so here are some ideas for what to serve it with:

Read more

Holiday Acorn Squash Recipe

This acorn squash recipe is a sweet and savory holiday side dish featuring roasted acorn squash. Toss with herbs and spices, then roast until tender. Finish the dish with pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Season with extra virgin olive oil and maple syrup.

Cade says that is the best side dish I’ve ever made. And that is saying something, because we have some great ones here on the blog (I’m thinking of you, homemade focaccia and gruyere sweet potato stacks!)! This acorn squash recipe is both Thanksgiving and Christmas worthy! You’re going to LOVE it!

Recommended Equipment

• Sharp Knives
• Baking Sheet

Before You Begin…

You’ll want to start by toasting the pepitas (pumpkin seeds)! This adds such a delicious nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

Ingredients for Holiday Acorn Squash

Okay, this ingredients list is going to look a bit daunting at first glance, but don’t run away! Many of the ingredients are seasonings that you’ll already have. Here is what you will need:

For the Pepitas

• Pumpkin Seeds: also known as pepitas
• Olive Oil: helps toast the pumpkin seeds
• Seasonings: Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika, and Chili Powder

For the Squash

• Acorn Squash: If you’re not a fan of acorn squash, you can use butternut or honeynut.
• Pure Maple Syrup: You want the real deal here, no imitation pancake syrup!
• Orange: We will use the juice and zest for a pop of fresh citrus flavor.
• Butter: helps the acorn roast and get golden and caramelized
• Seasonings: Ground Cinnamon, Fresh Ginger, Smoked Paprika, and Cardamom Powder

• Pomegranate: You can extract the seeds yourself from a pomegranate (see section below) or just buy pomegranate seeds.
• Brown Sugar: adds sweetness and rich flavor
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: used to toast and crisp the sage leaves
• Sage Leaves: adds flavor and crunch
• Thyme: used as garnish for the squash and adds fresh herby flavor
• Kosher Salt: adds flavor
• Feta: You can use goat cheese instead or omit the cheese if you want.

The measurements for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

What are Pomegranate Arils?

Pomegranate arils are the clear red seed pod in the pomegranate. They are tart and give you a nice pop of juice and flavor