Winter Pomegranate and Grain Salad

This Winter Pomegranate and Grain Salad is a vibrant, seasonal dish that embodies the best flavors of winter. Featuring roasted butternut squash, chewy farro, fresh kale, and bright pomegranate arils, it’s both hearty and refreshing. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory elements, this salad is as satisfying as it is beautiful. The roasted squash brings a touch of warmth, while the pomegranate arils add bursts of sweetness. Perfect for holiday gatherings, meal prep, or simply as a light meal, it’s versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. The best part? It tastes even better the next day!

---

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Recipe Appeal and Unique Features

• Perfect for Winter: This salad is packed with seasonal ingredients that showcase the flavors of winter—roasted butternut squash, fresh kale, and pomegranate arils.
• Flavorful and Nutritious: Combining roasted butternut squash, farro, and nutrient-rich kale with tangy apple cider vinegar and sweet maple syrup, this dish offers a balance of flavors that are hearty and satisfying.
• Versatile: Whether served as a main dish or side, this salad fits into any meal. It’s perfect for a holiday dinner, meal prep, or a light lunch.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time, and the flavors will only deepen, making it an excellent choice for lunchboxes or picnics.

---

Why Readers Will Love It

This Winter Pomegranate and Grain Salad is beloved for its vibrant colors and nourishing ingredients. The butternut squash adds a comforting warmth, while the pomegranate arils brighten the dish with their sweet and tangy flavor. The inclusion of farro, a hearty whole grain, makes this salad filling, and the kale provides a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re looking for a dish that’s quick to throw together for a weeknight dinner or something more festive for a holiday table, this salad will impress your guests or family. Plus, it can be made in advance, making it a great meal prep option.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into making the salad, you’ll need to gather a few essential tools and equipment to help you along the way:

• Oven: To roast the butternut squash until golden and tender.
• Instant Pot: A great time-saving tool for cooking farro quickly. Alternatively, you can cook it on the stove if you prefer.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting and chopping the vegetables, butternut squash, radicchio, and green onion.
• Baking Sheet: To roast the butternut squash evenly.
• Large Serving Bowl: For mixing all the ingredients together.
• Small Bowl: For making the dressing.

Having these tools on hand will streamline your process and help ensure a successful outcome.

---

Importance of Each Tool

Each piece of equipment plays a crucial role in making this recipe as efficient and tasty as possible:

• Oven: Roasting the butternut squash enhances its natural sweetness and gives it a caramelized texture, which is key to the flavor profile of this dish.
• Instant Pot: This tool makes cooking farro a breeze. It significantly cuts down on cooking time, allowing you to prepare this dish in a fraction of the time.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts, especially when handling ingredients like pomegranate and butternut squash, which can be tricky to cut.
• Baking Sheet: Provides enough space for the squash to roast evenly, ensuring it’s perfectly golden and crisped up on the edges.
• Serving Bowl: A large bowl gives you the space to toss all the ingredients without making a mess, ensuring everything gets evenly distributed.
• Small Bowl: You’ll need this for making the dressing to ensure it emulsifies properly, blending all the flavors together.

Preparation Tips

To make sure your Winter Pomegranate and Grain Salad turns out perfectly, here are some tips:

• Pre-roast the Squash: If you’re short on time, roast the butternut squash ahead of time. You can even reheat it in the air fryer to restore its crispness before serving.
• Massage the Kale: Don’t skip the step of massaging the kale with the dressing. This helps to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. A couple of minutes of massaging goes a long way!
• Instant Pot for Farro: If you’re using an Instant Pot, you can cook the farro in just 7 minutes under high pressure. It’s a huge time-saver!
• Fresh Pomegranate: For the best flavor, use a fresh pomegranate and remove the arils by submerging it in water to reduce the mess.
• Double the Dressing: The dressing is so versatile; you can use it on other salads, roasted veggies, or even grain bowls, so consider making extra.

---

List of Required Ingredients

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic farro, rinsed and cooked
• 1 whole butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (roasted ahead of time)
• 2 bunches organic dino kale, washed, de-stemmed, and finely chopped
• 1 whole pomegranate, arils removed
• 1 small radicchio, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 green onion, finely chopped (optional)

Dressing Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1–2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon miso
• Salt and pepper, to taste

---

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Peel and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces. Spread them out on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.

2. Cook the Farro

Cook the farro according to the package instructions. For a quicker method, use an Instant Pot: add farro and liquid (water or broth) in a 2:1 ratio, cook on high pressure for 7 minutes, and allow it to sit for 7 minutes before releasing pressure. Drain any excess liquid.

3. Prepare the Pomegranate Arils

Cut the pomegranate in half and submerge it in a bowl of water. Loosen the arils from the pith, which will float to the surface. Scoop out the pith and drain the arils.

4. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and miso until smooth and emulsified. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

5. Massage the Kale

Wash, de-stem, and finely chop the kale. Add 1–2 tablespoons of the dressing to the kale and massage it for 1–2 minutes to soften the leaves.

6. Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine the massaged kale with the radicchio and green onion (if using). Add the roasted butternut squash, cooked farro, and pomegranate arils. Toss together and serve with the remaining dressing on the side or drizzle it over the top.

---

9. Tips or Variations

• Grains: You can swap the farro for quinoa, barley, or couscous for a different texture or flavor.
• Veggies: Feel free to add in roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or beets for a more colorful and earthy twist.
• Nuts/Seeds: Add extra crunch with toasted walnuts, sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, or even candied pecans.
• Cheese: For a non-vegan option, you can crumble feta, goat cheese, or shaved parmesan over the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This Winter Pomegranate and Grain Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions:

• Main Course: Serve it as a light, yet satisfying main course for lunch or dinner. The combination of farro, butternut squash, and kale makes it filling, and the pomegranate arils provide a refreshing touch.
• Side Dish: This salad works beautifully as a side dish to complement heavier mains like roast chicken, turkey, or a vegetarian casserole. Its bright flavors will cut through richer dishes.
• Meal Prep: Perfect for meal prepping, this salad holds up well for several days in the fridge, making it an easy lunch option throughout the week. Just store the dressing separately to prevent sogginess.
• Holiday Table: With its vibrant colors and festive appeal, this salad is a showstopper for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Picnics and Potlucks: Since the flavors deepen the next day, this salad makes for an ideal dish to take to a picnic or potluck. It’s easy to transport and will be a hit with your friends and family.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Even though this salad is relatively easy to make, here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Mistake 1: Undercooking or Overcooking the Butternut Squash

• How to Avoid: Make sure the butternut squash is perfectly roasted—not too soft and mushy, nor too firm. Flip the squash halfway through roasting to ensure even cooking. Check for tenderness with a fork, and let it crisp slightly on the edges for extra flavor.

Mistake 2: Skipping the Kale Massage

• How to Avoid: Massaging the kale with the dressing is key to softening its tough fibers. Without this step, the salad can taste too bitter and the texture can be unappealing. Spend at least 1–2 minutes massaging the leaves for optimal texture.

Mistake 3: Adding Dressing Too Early

• How to Avoid: Don’t dress the salad too early, especially if it’s being made ahead of time. The kale will wilt and lose its crispness. Instead, store the dressing separately and toss it just before serving to maintain freshness.

Mistake 4: Not Using Enough Seasoning

• How to Avoid: Be sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper in the dressing. The flavors should be well-balanced, with a tangy kick from the apple cider vinegar and a slight sweetness from the maple syrup.

Mistake 5: Forgetting to Prepare the Pomegranate Arils Properly

• How to Avoid: The pomegranate arils can be tricky to extract, but submerging the fruit in water while loosening the arils will help minimize the mess and prevent staining. Always ensure the arils are fully separated from the pith.

---

Side Dish Recommendations

While the Winter Pomegranate and Grain Salad is a hearty dish on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal even further. Here are eight delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with this winter salad:

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze bring a crispy, caramelized flavor that complements the sweetness of the butternut squash and the richness of the farro.

2. Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken

• A tender herb-crusted roast chicken adds a savory element to balance out the salad’s sweetness. The herbs, like rosemary and thyme, enhance the earthiness of the kale.

3. Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Quinoa-stuffed bell peppers filled with veggies, chickpeas, and herbs make a light yet flavorful side that complements the grains and pomegranate in the salad.

4. Grilled Tofu Steaks

• If you prefer a vegan protein, grilled tofu steaks with a light glaze of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil make a satisfying addition that mirrors the flavors in the salad’s dressing.

5. Sweet Potato Fries

• Crisp, oven-baked sweet potato fries add a slightly sweet and crispy contrast to the tender squash in the salad. They’re also a comforting side for those craving something warm.

6. Beetroot and Arugula Salad

• A simple beetroot and arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette brings a peppery and earthy flavor that contrasts with the sweetness of the pomegranate in your main dish.

7. Cauliflower Rice

• For a lighter side dish, cauliflower rice offers a low-carb, crunchy texture that balances out the richness of the maple syrup and miso in the dressing.

8. Avocado Toast with Lemon and Chili Flakes

• For a more casual pairing, avocado toast seasoned with lemon, chili flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil brings a creamy and zesty contrast that complements the texture and flavors of the salad.

Recipe Tips, Storage, and Reheating Instructions

Recipe Tips

To ensure that your Winter Pomegranate and Grain Salad turns out perfectly, here are some additional tips:

• Seasonal Variations: While butternut squash and pomegranate are the stars of this winter salad, feel free to use other seasonal ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes, beets, or even apples for a different twist.
• Crunch Factor: To add more texture, consider topping the salad with some crunchy nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or candied pecans.
• Dressing Substitutes: If you want a tangier dressing, try swapping the apple cider vinegar with lemon juice. For a creamier dressing, you can add a spoonful of vegan mayonnaise or cashew cream.
• Extra Protein: For added protein, consider tossing in some chickpeas, edamame, or grilled chicken to make this salad a more filling meal.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or mint sprinkled on top just before serving can give the salad a refreshing lift and add an herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and savory elements.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for up to 4 days. However, the kale might soften over time, and the pomegranate arils may lose some of their crunch, so it’s best to enjoy the salad within 2–3 days.
• Dressing Storage: Always store the dressing separately. It can be refrigerated for up to 1 week and will last longer if kept in an airtight jar or container.
• Grain Storage: You can cook the farro ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, let it cool completely before storing.

Reheating Instructions

• Butternut Squash: If you have leftover roasted butternut squash, reheat it in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–10 minutes until it crisps up again. Alternatively, you can heat it in a pan with a small amount of oil over medium heat.
• Farro: Reheat the farro in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir every 30 seconds to ensure it heats evenly.

---

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Winter Pomegranate and Grain Salad is perfect for making ahead. You can roast the butternut squash, cook the farro, and prepare the pomegranate arils in advance. Just store everything separately and assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve. It actually tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Q2: Can I use a different grain instead of farro?

Yes, you can easily swap out the farro for another grain. Quinoa, barley, couscous, or even brown rice work great in this salad. Choose one that suits your dietary preferences or what you have available in your pantry.

Q3: Can I make the dressing without miso?

Yes! While miso adds a rich umami flavor to the dressing, you can omit it or replace it with tamari for a gluten-free option. If you prefer a vegan option, simply add a bit more soy sauce or vegan Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.

Q4: Is this salad gluten-free?

It depends on the grain you use. Farro contains gluten, but if you need a gluten-free version, you can substitute it with quinoa, rice, or corn as the base of the salad. Ensure that the soy sauce is also gluten-free or swap it for tamari.

Q5: Can I add cheese to the salad?

Definitely! If you’re not following a vegan diet, you can crumble some feta, goat cheese, or parmesan over the salad. The salty richness of the cheese complements the sweetness of the pomegranate and butternut squash beautifully.

Q6: How do I prevent the kale from being too tough?

Massage the kale with the dressing for at least 1–2 minutes. This helps to break down the tough fibers and softens the leaves. It also helps the kale absorb the flavors of the dressing, making it more enjoyable to eat.

Q7: Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Yes! You can add other fruits such as sliced apples, oranges, or grapes. These fruits would pair beautifully with the pomegranate and butternut squash while adding an extra layer of sweetness and texture to the salad.

Q8: How long does this salad last in the fridge?

If stored properly in an airtight container, the salad will last 3–4 days in the refrigerator. For optimal texture, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving, as the kale will continue to soften as it sits in the dressing.

---

Conclusion

The Winter Pomegranate and Grain Salad is a flavorful, nutrient-packed dish that celebrates the best of the season. With its balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, this salad is perfect for any occasion—whether as a side at a holiday gathering or a refreshing lunch for meal prep. The combination of hearty grains, roasted veggies, and vibrant pomegranate arils creates a visually appealing and delicious dish that will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s easily customizable, making it a versatile addition to your winter recipe collection.

Don’t forget the helpful tips, storage, and reheating suggestions to ensure your salad stays fresh and tasty for days. With this recipe, you’ll have a healthy, satisfying meal that will impress your guests or nourish you throughout the week.

Enjoy the process and the flavors!