Salads are pretty much a mainstay in our evening meals; providing a great way to get the healthy and nutritious leafy greens, veggies and/or fruits we crave in one bountiful side… or main course, depending on how they’re tossed up.
Similar to the soups I love, salads allow you to chop and drop just about anything that appeals to you in one bowl, with little need to follow a recipe, and end up with something delicious. And while the “chop and drop” method is the route I follow on most nights, I do really love a more composed, plated salad as well. I think plated salads appeal to the inner artist that resides somewhere in all of us; providing an opportunity to layer flavors and colors in a truly appealing manner. This is especially true when you want to showcase one or more ingredients that are just plain delicious… and visually alluring… like these d’Anjou pears from Stemilt. Sweet, juicy and immensely flavorful, d’Anjou pears are the perfect cap to this simple salad of lightly dressed arugula dotted with plump, fresh, ruby-red pomegranate seeds, some toasted walnuts, and a few slices of pumpkin-orange Fuyu persimmons.
Though this delicious and vibrantly colored salad could certainly be served up any night of the week (it’s that easy!), the combination of colorful, sweet, seasonal fruits balanced with a beautiful, nutty arugula dressed with a honey-orange champagne vinaigrette makes it an especially appealing holiday plating.