Anti Inflammatory Arugula Pomegranate Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This vibrant salad is a study in contrast — peppery arugula, jewel-bright pomegranate arils, and paper-thin fennel all come together in a bowl that looks as stunning as it tastes. The lemon vinaigrette gets a quiet boost from ground turmeric and raw honey, two ingredients that pull serious weight when it comes to supporting a low-inflammation lifestyle. Toasted walnuts add a warm, nutty crunch that makes every bite feel satisfying rather than virtuous-but-boring. Fennel might seem like an unexpected move in a salad, but sliced very thin it turns sweet and delicate, balancing the brightness of the lemon and the tartness of the pomegranate beautifully. Everything comes together in just a few minutes of hands-on time, and the whole thing serves four without any complicated technique. Optional shaved Parmesan on top adds a salty, creamy finish if you want it, but the salad holds its own without it. It's the kind of recipe you'll reach for on a weeknight when you want something that feels genuinely nourishing and genuinely delicious at the same time.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 5 oz baby arugula
- ¾ cup pomegranate arils (from 1 medium pomegranate or store-bought)
- 1 small fennel bulb, cored and very thinly sliced
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp raw honey
Ingredient noteAdded sugar is limited on an anti-inflammatory diet. This recipe contains about 1.8 g of added sugar per serving, which is likely acceptable for many following the diet. If you prefer to always avoid honey, please tap it and change its rating to Red.
- ½ tsp dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- salt and pepper, to taste
For serving
- 2 oz shaved parmesan (optional)
Can be omittedshaved parmesan
Instructions
- 1
Set a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3–4 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and turmeric until smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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