Afghan Spinach Salad with Pomegranate
Delve into the heart of Afghanistan’s culinary landscape with this vibrant and flavorful Spinach Salad. This dish brings together traditional ingredients like fresh spinach, tangy pomegranate seeds, and fragrant herbs, all united by a light yet zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for any season, it offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will transport you to the bustling markets of Kabul.
“In Afghanistan, food is not just sustenance; it’s an art form where every dish tells a story.”
Highlights
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 180kcal
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Spinach: Ensure the spinach leaves are thoroughly washed and dried to prevent excess moisture from watering down your salad.
Toast the Nuts: In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Allow them to cool before chopping.
Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, gently toss spinach with pomegranate seeds, toasted almonds, mint leaves, and cilantro. Drizzle with the prepared vinaigrette and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Toss again lightly to coat all ingredients evenly.
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for this recipe, keep in mind that it may vary based on ingredients selected or substituted:
- Serving: 1 portion
- Calories: 180kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 13g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
Serve this Afghan Spinach Salad as a refreshing appetizer or a light main course. The combination of crunchy nuts, juicy pomegranate seeds, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your guests craving more. Pair it with warm flatbread for an authentic touch, or enjoy it on its own to savor the simplicity and elegance of Afghan cuisine.
