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Published November 10, 2015 | Last Updated November 29, 2024 By Barbara Bianchi 38 Comments

Pomegranate Spinach Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette

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You’re going to love this quick, easy, and nutritious pomegranate spinach salad with apple cider vinaigrette.

gluten free, paleo, spinach, salad, pomegranate, seeds, goat cheese

Bid goodbye to the boring side salad with this bowl of crisp, baby spinach, juicy pear slices, sweet pomegranate seeds, and tangy goat cheese. Paired with a homemade, paleo apple cider vinaigrette, this salad is a nutritious feast of fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Nearly every afternoon, John and I enjoy one of my salad recipes as our lunchtime meal. The kids will have a smaller bowl as an appetizer or side dish along with their main dishes.

So, of course, I love coming up with creative ways to serve our greens. This salad definitely put smiles on the faces of everyone at the table.

With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, I can’t wait to serve this pomegranate spinach salad along with my Favorite Gluten Free Thanksgiving recipes and all holiday gatherings!

Ingredients

Ingredients

Pomegranate seeds are a powerful superfood. They’re loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect heart and brain health. The red, jewel-like capsule (called an aril) that encloses the pomegranate seed provides vitamins B6, C, and potassium.

Not only do I love how nutritious these seeds are, but I also love how they explode with flavor in every forkful.

When choosing your pomegranate, you’ll know if it is ripe if it is heavy and the skin is firm.

To easily get to those delicious seeds, check out my How to Cut Open and Seed Your Pomegranate video, complete with step-by-step pictures!

If you prefer not cutting up a pomegranate, you can also usually find ready-to-eat seeds in the refrigerated section of the supermarket produce section.

pomegranate spinach salad

The next lovely ingredients are the baby spinach and slices of ripe pear. I always choose organic spinach.

For the pears, you can choose either Anjou pears or Bartlett for their pretty green color. I recommend cutting the pear just before you are ready to serve so the slices don’t discolor.

After tossing the spinach, pomegranate seeds, and pears together, I crumble goat cheese on top. If you are following a paleo diet, aged cheese is usually okay. 

About goat cheese

John and I have begun following many of the principles of a paleo diet, not because some ancient people ate that way, but because we believe it is a more nutritious way to eat. However, John and I try not to eat too much cheese (sometimes that’s really hard) because of the high carb content.

When we do eat it, though, we usually eat a fairly well-aged gruyere, parmesan, or a goat cheese. Aged cheeses are supposed to have a lower lactose content than lesser aged varieties. 

Because goat’s milk is closer in comparison to human milk than that of a cow, some people with low tolerance to cow’s milk can tolerate goat’s milk. Read more about goat cheese here.

So the cheese I used is a Chèvre from the Vermont Creamery. This is an absolutely wonderful cheese. They proudly state that their goats’ milk comes from high quality, sustainable, and environmentally sound farms. It really turns this salad into something special.

How to make apple cider vinaigrette

Links are affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission if you buy the item at no extra cost to yo

Finally, it’s time to make the vinaigrette! My apple cider vinaigrette is one hundred percent gluten free and one hundred percent nourishing to your body.

Apple cider vinegar product picture

I use Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar. Raw apple cider vinegar has a host of health benefits from improving digestion to alleviating heartburn to maintaining healthy skin. Despite its acidic taste, raw apple cider vinegar alkalizes the body, balancing your pH, to help you fight off disease and inflammation.

I especially like Bragg’s because it contains the “mother” of the vinegar: strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria.

To soften the sharp taste of the apple cider vinegar, add extra virgin olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. I love the gluten free, organic Dijon mustard made by Annie’s Homegrown with its French country flavor and gourmet taste. Yum.

drizzling dressing on pomegranate spinach salad

Pro tips and recipe notes

Can I use other greens instead of spinach? Yes, you can use mixed greens, arugula, or any leafy greens of your choice.

Do I need to remove the skin from the pears? It’s a personal preference. You can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrition or peel them for a smoother texture.

Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have goat cheese? Absolutely, feta, blue cheese, or even grated Parmesan work well as substitutes.

What other toppings can I add to this salad? Consider adding toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or crispy Bacon Cooked In The Oven for extra crunch and flavor.

Can I add protein to this salad to make it a complete meal? Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp are excellent protein additions.

How long will the apple cider vinaigrette keep in the fridge? The vinaigrette can be refrigerated for up to one week in an airtight container.

How do I store leftover salad? Store the salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before eating.

With the holidays approaching, life can get stressful if you are hosting the holidays in your home or organizing festivities. And with all of the pastries and sweets, it can be difficult keeping our diets nutritious.

This tasty pomegranate spinach salad will give you that much-needed energy boost and will also help supercharge your immune system in the winter months. And won’t it look festive on your holiday table?

It’s a lovely balance of flavors from the fruity sweetness of the pomegranate seeds and pears, to the crunchy spinach, to the creamy goat cheese, to the zesty vinaigrette. Everyone will love it. And the best part is it’s all gluten free, paleo, and incredibly nutritious.

Have a happy and healthy week!

More nutritious recipes you’ll love

Gluten Free Cauliflower Flatbreads Serve warm from the skillet and piled with your favorite toppings.

How To Make Beef Bone Broth And Why It’s Good For You You can use bone broth as stock for your favorite soups or gravies (or even serve it as a refreshing broth). It’s so nutritious and easy to make.

Seasoned Cauliflower Rice With Bacon This is a delicious easy side dish that tastes just like fried rice. And it’s keto, low-carb, and whole 30 compliant too!

Gluten Free Surówka Surówka is a Polish sauerkraut, carrot and apple salad that’s nutritious and delicious.

Lemony Marinated Zucchini Salad Zucchini is delicious raw, especially when it is marinated before being added to a salad.

salad

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5 from 5 votes

Pomegranate Spinach Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Prevent your screen from going dark
Bid goodbye to the boring side salad with this bowl of crisp, baby spinach, juicy pear slices, sweet pomegranate seeds, and tangy goat cheese. Paired with a homemade, paleo apple cider vinaigrette, this salad is a nutritious feast of fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Course Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes minutes
Total Time 20 minutes minutes
Servings 6
Calories 70kcal
Author Barbara Bianchi

Ingredients

For Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon gluten free dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

For Pomegranate Spinach Salad:

  • 8 cups baby spinach
  • 1 ripe pear
  • 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 2 ounces gluten free goat cheese

Instructions

For Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a jar, cover and shake until well combined.
    1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon gluten free dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

For Pomegranate Spinach Salad:

  • Add the spinach to your salad bowl. Sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds. Slice the pears just before you’re ready to serve so that they don’t discolor. Cut the pear into thin slices and toss.
    Finally, crumble the goat cheese on top of the salad and then drizzle with the vinaigrette. Serve and enjoy.
    8 cups baby spinach, 1 ripe pear, 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds, 2 ounces gluten free goat cheese

Notes

Tip: Slice the pears just before you’re ready to serve so that they don’t discolor.
Can I use other greens instead of spinach? Yes, you can use mixed greens, arugula, or any leafy greens of your choice.
Do I need to remove the skin from the pears? It's a personal preference. You can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrition or peel them for a smoother texture.
Can I use a different cheese if I don't have goat cheese? Absolutely, feta, blue cheese, or even grated Parmesan work well as substitutes.
What other toppings can I add to this salad? Consider adding toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or crispy bacon for extra crunch and flavor.
Can I add protein to this salad to make it a complete meal? Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp are excellent protein additions.
How long will the apple cider vinaigrette keep in the fridge? The vinaigrette can be refrigerated for up to one week in an airtight container.
How do I store leftover salad? Store the salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before eating.
Get the full video to see how to cut and seed your pomegranate here.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 70kcal
did you make this recipe? We want to see! Take a pic, and tag @glutenfreehomestead on Instagram.
  • About the Author
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About Barbara Bianchi

Barbara loves to bring fun into the kitchen and wholesome food to the table. She also enjoys drinking robust coffee, eating a little chocolate, reading a good novel, going for walks and spending time with her family and friends.
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Filed Under: Appetizers & Side Dishes, Best Holiday Recipes, Egg free, Nut free, Paleo, Recipe, Salad, Vegetables & Salads

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alana says

    November 11, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    This is a salad I would have enjoyed years ago. I have a medical condition where I must watch my potassium intake – but for most people, this is a nutritional powerhouse. I so love goat cheese – and I grew up many years ago, in a family who ate pomegranates – they were years ahead of their time and I learned to love them as a child.

    Reply
    • Barbara says

      November 18, 2015 at 9:58 pm

      I’m just getting started with pomegranates. I’ve been adding them to my smoothies Love them!

      Reply
  2. Creatively Homespun says

    November 12, 2015 at 10:01 am

    This is gorgeous!! I bet it’s also delicious! Thank you for linking up to Creative K Kids’ Tasty Tuesdays Linky Party. I have pinned your recipe to our Tasty Tuesday’s Pinterest Board.

    Reply
    • Barbara says

      November 18, 2015 at 9:59 pm

      Thank you! And thanks for pinning, too.

      Reply
  3. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says

    November 12, 2015 at 11:44 pm

    This looks so good! I just bought pomegranates for another recipe that I want to try making but I think I am going to have to set some aside to make this too!

    Reply
    • Barbara says

      November 18, 2015 at 10:01 pm

      Hi Michele, Isn’t that a coincidence. They really add zing to the salad. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Anita says

    November 13, 2015 at 12:58 am

    This recipe looks so delicious! Hi, I’m Anita visiting from Foodie FriDIY.

    Reply
    • Barbara says

      November 18, 2015 at 10:07 pm

      Welcome Anita, So glad you stopped by. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Bethany says

    November 13, 2015 at 7:47 pm

    This salad is so beautiful!

    Reply
    • Barbara says

      November 13, 2015 at 9:48 pm

      Aw. Thank you Bethany!

      Reply
  6. Jessica says

    November 15, 2015 at 11:28 am

    Beautiful pictures! It looks so good. thanks for linking up to Simply Natural Saturdays.

    Reply
    • Barbara says

      November 18, 2015 at 10:09 pm

      Jessica! Thank you. I’m so glad you stopped by. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Marla says

    November 15, 2015 at 11:57 am

    5 stars
    Hi Barbara & Nicole,
    Wow this sounds delicious, healthy and is co colorful. I love pears pomegranate and the apple cider dressing sounds great. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.

    Reply
    • Barbara says

      November 18, 2015 at 10:14 pm

      Thank you, Marla. I think you’re going to love this salad. Some people like to add sweetener to the dressing, but that’s up to you. Thanks for sharing, too.

      Reply
  8. April J Harris says

    November 16, 2015 at 3:34 am

    5 stars
    What a beautiful, fresh and tasty salad! Love all the healthy ingredients you have used and the vinaigrette too! Thank you for sharing it with us at the Hearth and Soul Hop.

    Reply
    • Barbara says

      November 18, 2015 at 10:19 pm

      Hi April, Have you tried Bragg’s vinegar before? It’s fantastic.

      Reply
  9. Wendy @ Living Almost Naturally says

    November 16, 2015 at 11:16 am

    5 stars
    I love to make salads out of spinach! This looks Delicious! Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty!

    Reply
    • Barbara says

      November 18, 2015 at 10:20 pm

      Hi Wendy, I love spinach too.:)

      Reply
  10. Easy Peasy Life Matters says

    November 16, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    This salad sounds delightful!! Goat cheese and pomegranate sound simply great together. Thanks so much for sharing on the Healthy Living Link Party 🙂

    Reply
    • Barbara says

      November 18, 2015 at 10:24 pm

      I hope you get a chance to try it. The goat cheese blends in and makes the dressing nice and creamy.

      Reply
  11. Raia says

    November 18, 2015 at 11:19 pm

    This sounds so good right now! Thanks so much for sharing it at Savoring Saturdays! I’m going to feature it at this weekend’s party. 🙂 Hope to see you there!

    Reply
    • Barbara says

      November 19, 2015 at 1:04 pm

      Thanks so much, Raia. I’ll be there.

      Reply
  12. Marla says

    November 19, 2015 at 5:31 am

    5 stars
    Hi Barbara & Nicole,
    Just a not to let you know that I have chosen your post as one of my features on this weeks Real Food Fridays blog hop that goes live every Thursday @ 7pm EST. Thank you for sharing with us and helping us on our mission to make this a healthier world. Wishing you and you’re family a healthy happy blessed Thanksgiving.

    Reply
    • Barbara says

      November 19, 2015 at 1:07 pm

      Thanks so much, Marla! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family, too.

      Reply
  13. Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says

    November 19, 2015 at 9:26 pm

    Such a pretty salad! I love the pomegranate addition + I’m a huge ACV fan. Thanks for sharing this with us at Savoring Saturdays linky party! Hope you’ll join us again.

    Reply
  14. Britain in EU says

    June 4, 2016 at 6:26 am

    What’s Brexit and what would happen if Britain left the EU?IF
    the people of Britain vote for Brexit, it’ll not be a historical success for Eurosceptics
    but it is going to transform this country forever. But what would happen? – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTMxfAkxfQ0

    Reply
  15. Sancy Suraj says

    August 24, 2016 at 11:48 am

    5 stars
    I love the colour of this salad. The pomegranate adds a beautiful touch!

    Reply
    • Barbara says

      August 30, 2016 at 10:43 pm

      Thank you. I love the color too. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Erin says

    December 22, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    This looks amazing. Spinach is my favorite base for a salad and I love pomegranate seeds. Thanks for my next lunch inspiration!
    erin | sandsunandmessybuns.com

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Real Food Friday #115 – Celebrating Thanksgiving with Real Foods says:
    November 19, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    […] Barbara & Nicole From Gluten Free Homestead — Pomegranate Spinach Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette […]

    Reply
  2. Thanksgiving Side Dishes and #FoodieFriDIY no 73 - A Dish of Daily Life says:
    November 19, 2015 at 9:00 pm

    […] Pomegranate Spinach Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette from The Gluten Free Homestead […]

    Reply
  3. 60 Delicious Vegetarian Recipes From Around the World • Julie Hoag Writer says:
    December 22, 2017 at 7:37 pm

    […] Pomegranate Spinach Salad with Apple Cider Viniagrette […]

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  4. 38 Sweet and Savory Paleo Pear Recipes - Paleo Grubs says:
    April 2, 2019 at 2:05 am

    […] 15. Pomegranate Spinach Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette This super simple salad is made with baby spinach, pear, pomegranate seeds, and (optionally, if it’s a part of your diet) goat cheese. The apple cider vinaigrette is one of my favorites, with garlic, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and white pepper. […]

    Reply
  5. Gluten Free Easy Minestrone Soup (Quick And Easy) says:
    September 18, 2019 at 12:44 am

    […] a cup on its own or pair it with this messaged kale salad or pomegranate spinach salad or with a slice of this delicious gluten free spinach […]

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  6. Cauliflower Rice with Bacon - Gluten Free Homestead says:
    October 24, 2019 at 10:03 pm

    […] Pomegranate Spinach Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette […]

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  7. Gluten Free French Onion Soup - Gluten Free Homestead says:
    December 6, 2019 at 2:13 pm

    […] a cup on its own or pair it with this messaged kale salad or pomegranate spinach salad or with a slice of this delicious sweet potato […]

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  8. Gluten Free Quiche Lorraine says:
    December 8, 2019 at 6:13 pm

    […] it on its own or pair it with this pomegranate spinach salad or with a cup of gluten free French onion […]

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  9. Gluten Free Broccoli Soup - Gluten Free Homestead says:
    August 6, 2020 at 11:37 pm

    […] Have a cup on its own or pair it with this messaged kale salad or pomegranate spinach salad […]

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