This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

Whoever said winter was colorless could not have been more misguided.

Winter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

And this winter beet and pomegranate salad is proof.

I mean, do you see all the color?!? All the reds, greens, yellows and orange? Winter COLOR right there I tell you! I know I have been all about the cheesy, hearty and extra cozy recipes as of late, but behind the scenes I still crave a good salad. Something simple and light, yet full of color…and fruit, I am so a ‘fruit in my salad’ kind of girl.

Love it.

Since my theme for this week seems to be Christmas Eve Dinner, I feel I should let you know that this salad will definitely be on my table. Ask anyone in my family, this salad always makes an appearance. Typically in a giant bowl and typically with double the pomegranates plus whatever else happens to be in the fridge, usually just a random mix. Maybe some mushrooms, grapefruit, kale, I dunno anything in there is fair game + candied pecans, pomegranates and blue cheese. Those three are always a must.

SOO basically, this is the prettier version of my Christmas Eve salad.

The beets are a new addition though…loving the beets…more to come… and soon!! 🙂

Winter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvestWinter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvestWinter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvestWinter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

When it comes to recipes for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I like to keep them simple. We always have SO many people packed into one house and that just means craziness. I can’t remember a Christmas Eve when mom, dad and I were not running around trying to get dinner on the table. It was hard, there were a lot of people! My mom used to make Christmas Eve Dinner for 30+ when we lived in Ohio… just thinking about preparing for that literally makes me stress…

Go Jenny…aka mom. Despite the huge crowd (and a crazy mother in law) her Christmas Eve party was always the best.

Point is, simple is the name of the game. Especially when it comes to the salad. I have so many other dishes on the table that I want the salad to be able to compliment them all, not stand out with its own intense flavor that just doesn’t pair well with anything else on the table, you know?

I like light and super fresh flavors with a little bit of crunch + um, lots of good cheese. Duh.

Winter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvestWinter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Winter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

I adore the beets in this salad, beets + pomegranates are such a great combo and they’re obviously beautiful too! The maple pecans add a little sweetness and the blue cheese adds serious deliciousness… what, I love blue cheese! I know there are some of you who aren’t blue cheese lovers. I personally think this is crazy, but I get it. It’s moldy cheese, that can be weird. If you’re not into blue cheese try goat cheese or feta.

BUT PLEASE, don’t skimp on the cheese. Salads need cheese. Got it? Get it. Good!

For the dressing I went with my standard, balsamic, fig preserves, and a splash of fresh citrus. This is honestly one of my favorite salad dressings. It’s simple, but full of just the right amount of sweet and tangy flavors, Perfect.

Winter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Winter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Winter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Winter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories Per Serving: 389 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

  • 6 beets quartered or cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt + pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups raw pecans
  • 1/3 cup real maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 6-8 cups mustard greens or mixed greens
  • arils from 1-2 pomegranates
  • 6 ounces gorgonzola cheese crumbed (may also use goat cheese or feta)

Balsamic Citrus Dressing

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven 400 degrees F.
  • Toss the beets together with the olive oil and a good pinch of both salt + pepper. Spread the beets out in an even layer on two baking sheets. Roast for 30-35 minutes or until lightly charred and tender. Allow to cool before adding to the salad.
  • Meanwhile, line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the pecans to the baking sheet and toss with the maple syrup, cayenne and a pinch of salt. Bake (at 400 degrees F.) for 15-25 minutes, stirring 2-3 time throughout cooking until the pecans are toasted and golden. Remove from the oven and spread the pecans in one layer. Allow to cool.
  • Add the greens to a large bowl. Add the pomegranate arils, beets, pecans and gorgonzola cheese. Give the salad a gentle toss.
  • To make the dressing, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fig preserves, orange zest + juice and a pinch of salt + pepper in a bowl or glass jar. Drizzle the dressing over the salad or serve along side the salad. Enjoy!

Notes

The salad can be assembled a few hours in advance and kept in the fridge. Just be sure to add the dressing before serving.
View Recipe Comments

Winter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Winter blues??? Naah, salad in for the win!

P.S. If you are looking for a quick and kind of fancy Christmas Eve meal (or really any nice occasion), check out this yummy steak and pasta dinner, I created for Colorado Homes and Lifestyles Magazine!! SO GOOD and this meal would be perfect when paired with THIS salad!

Winter Beet and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Pecans + Balsamic Citrus Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Add a Comment

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. 5 stars
    So this became everyone’s new favorite salad. I am so glad I came upon your recipe. We had a very strong tasting olive oil so we added a bit more balsamic and fig to offset it. I also did a quick pan fried candied pecan as I was short on time. Finally, I left the cheese to the side and also offered a vegan garlic creamy cheese balls for our vegan family members – I have been ordered that this will be “my Christmas Dish” from here on out. Thank you!

      1. Made this again last night – leftover dressing still great from Christmas. Salad was loved by kids and adults alike and everyone left with your recipe. I cannot wait to try more of your recipes!!

  2. I have a big box of pre-cooked beets… Is there a way to get the same kind of result? Or does baking them with the flavors kind of make the recipe?

    1. Hey Kate,
      Hmmm, are they already marinated? I’m confused by the box…are they dried beets? If you can get fresh, raw beets I would stick with those for this recipe:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT

  3. I absolutely love this salad!! It’s so delicious and easy to make. I’m planning on making it for my Cookie Swap this year.

    Can walnuts work the same as pecans?

    1. Hey Michele,
      Happy Wednesday!! I truly appreciate you giving this recipe a try and sharing your review, so glad to hear it was a hit:) Totally, walnuts would be delicious! xx

  4. 5 stars
    Made this for thanksgiving as I wanted something with beets on the menu. It was very flavorful! I loved the dressing and the pecans were so tasty my family was snacking on them before we finished assembling the salad. Will definitely be making it again!

    1. Hey Dayaris,
      Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:)

  5. Looking for a Thanksgiving salad and just tried this….AMAZING!!! So so so good! I was looking for a light, tangy dressing to offset all the heavy foods that go along with Thanksgiving and this is perfect!! I didn’t love the green lettuc mix I used, may I ask what lettuces you used for this salad? Thanks!!

    1. Hey Shanelle,
      Happy Friday!!🌻 I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for trying it and sharing your review:) I used spring mix! xT

    1. Hi Julie,
      Happy Sunday!! Love to hear that you have enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for making it!! xx

    1. Hi Julie,
      Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear that it was a hit!! xTieghan

  6. 5 stars
    Not only is this salad gorgeous, it’s also delicious! The flavors complement one another perfectly, and although we’ve had it twice in three days my husband declared it “one of the best salads I’ve ever had!” I’ll take it ?

  7. i plan on making this Thursday! Do you have any suggestions for a less potent cheese that would still pair well with this salad?

    1. Hey there,
      Goat or feta cheese would also work well here. I hope you enjoy the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan

    1. Hey Lawdida,
      I think either of those would work well here! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan