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Growing up I was lucky enough to have a mom who always used fresh fruits and vegetables in the kitchen, impressive because this was in Vermont! One of her staples is a salad that always makes me feel at home and is perfect for this time of year as it really highlights winter produce. I added a couple little spins on one of my mom’s favorite go-to salads and it is incredibly simple to throw together when you are in a pinch. It is fresh, seasonal and the brightness from the citrus and pomegranate pair beautifully with our Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Gris.
Bright Pomegranate, Grapefruit and Avocado Spring Salad
Recipe Type:
Entree
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Servings:
4
Ingredients
- ½ pomegranate
- 2 grapefruit
- 2 avocados
- 3 Tbsp. champagne vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
- 4 good handfuls of arugula or watercress, cleaned
Instructions
- Remove the seeds from the pomegranate. You can do this by halving the fruit and gently tapping the pomegranate skin over a bowl to loosen the seeds. Make sure you remove all of the white membrane that may have fallen into the seeds and set aside.
- Segment the grapefruit into a bowl and squeeze the juice that’s left in the membrane into another bowl. Set both aside. Cut the avocado in halves, remove the seed and scoop out the meat with a spoon. Slice each half lengthwise into thin strips and set aside.
- In the bowl you have set aside with the grapefruit juice, whisk in the champagne vinegar, olive oil and salt to season.
- To assemble, lay a thin layer of greens on the bottom of the plate. Lay slices from half of an avocado on each plate, garnish slices with segments of grapefruit, sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the top, garnish with more greens, drizzle vinaigrette over the top and sprinkle with a little sea salt.
Customizing Your Spring Salad: Add-Ins to Elevate the Dish
This salad is already packed with fresh and flavorful ingredients, but feel free to get creative and make it your own! For added texture and depth, consider adding toasted nuts such as slivered almonds, walnuts, or pistachios. The crunch will contrast nicely with the creamy avocado and juicy grapefruit. You could also incorporate feta cheese or goat cheese for a tangy element that brings a bit more richness to the salad. For a sweeter touch, thinly sliced strawberries or a drizzle of honey would add an extra layer of flavor.
For an extra burst of flavor and color, mint leaves or fresh basil can add a bright, aromatic twist. These additions not only make the salad more complex, but they also elevate it for a more refined dish that’s perfect for any springtime gathering or special occasion.
Perfect Pairings with Kendall-Jackson Wines
The beauty of this Bright Pomegranate, Grapefruit, and Avocado Spring Salad lies not only in its fresh, seasonal ingredients but also in its ability to pair beautifully with wine. While Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Gris is a fantastic choice for this dish, their full portfolio offers a variety of wines that will elevate this salad to the next level. Whether you choose a crisp, citrus-driven white, a light and fruity red, or a sparkling wine to celebrate, there's a perfect Kendall-Jackson wine to suit your taste and enhance the dish.
For a bright, refreshing pairing, a Sauvignon Blanc would mirror the salad's zesty citrus notes, while a Chardonnay could add a buttery smoothness that complements the richness of the avocado. If you prefer reds, a Pinot Noir would offer a delicate, fruit-forward contrast, while a Rosé could add a touch of light elegance to the meal. Kendall-Jackson’s diverse range of wines makes it easy to find a bottle that perfectly complements your meal and your personal taste.
No matter which wine you choose, Kendall-Jackson’s collection ensures that there’s always a perfect pairing for every dish and occasion.
