Endive Pomegranate Salad
I am often asked where the inspiration for my recipes comes from. Almost universally, it is the ingredients that inspire me. I often just browse the produce section, grabbing things that catch my eye. On my last trip, two items really stood out – endive and pomegranates. They combine in this recipe to not only make a delicious salad, but also to provide you a super-healthy meal!
I have been reading a lot about Belgian endive lately. Endive contains a substance called kaempferol which is a natural cancer fighter. There are studies that show that when cancer cells are exposed to kaempferol, they die. A study in the Netherlands associates eating endive with a reduction in ovarian cancer. Kaempferol is also anti-angiogenic, meaning that it helps stop cancers from being able to grow the blood vessels that feed them. There is a wonderful TED talk by Dr. William Li on angiogenisis. Click here for the to see it: Dr. William Li
Pomegranates are another amazing food in the fight against disease and also increasing the amount of nutrients in our diet.
Some of the benefits of pomegranates include the following:
- Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Lower Risk of Blood Clots
Lower Risk of Prostate & Breast Cancer
Lower Blood Pressure
Reduced Cholesterol
Reduced Impact of Free Radicals
Pomegranates are also very high in anti-oxidants and are a significant source of fiber (in the seeds). Endive and pomegranates are the main ingredients in this salad. Combined with apple and a wonderful maple mustard vinaigrette, it makes a beautiful salad full of the flavor of fall.
Endive Pomegranate Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette
SERVES 4
Salad
- 2 Belgian endive, sliced thin (approximately 2 cups)
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 lemon, juice from
- 1 apple, chopped
- 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- Place endive in bowl, mix in lemon juice. Do this right away as the endive will start to brown quickly.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
Maple Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (not raw)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
- 3 tablespoons diced shallot
- Himalayan salt and pepper (to taste)
- Place all ingredients except the diced shallot in blender. Blend until emulsified (thickened).
- Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly
- Pour desired amount of vinaigrette over salad. Toss.
SweatyGirl wrote on November 8, 2011
Gorgeous recipe! I am new to your site (and to raw) and I have found such a wealth of info and recipes (and personality!) here, and I can’t thank you enough.
You clearly put so much work, dedication, and love into this blog and lifestyle and I want to say thank you – for sharing that!
Carissa wrote on November 5, 2011
It turned out great! We’ve had a lovely dinner. Thank you Susan! 🙂
sheryl wrote on November 4, 2011
Yum! It was great! 🙂
Sandy Dereba wrote on November 4, 2011
I have tried this and it really is an amazing recipe. Easy to do, very practical and just yummy-healthy.
Chris wrote on November 3, 2011
Awesome! Just purchased two large pomegranates last night!
Libbi wrote on November 3, 2011
I lOVE sharing your recipes on Pinterest! This looks amazing…it WIL be on my dinner plate tonight!
Heather wrote on November 3, 2011
This looks absolutely amazing! I love raw food, but with our seriously long winters in maine, I feel like I need soup and bread 🙂 Any ideas?
Susan wrote on November 3, 2011
Yes…the Rawmazing Transitional Recipes book is full of wonderful, hearty winter food that is part cooked, part raw and all vegan, and super healthy! http://www.rawmazing.com/rawmazing-transitional-recipes/
Ann Brown wrote on November 2, 2011
How many pomegranates? And how many salads (sized as seen in the picture) does this recipe make? Thanks
Susan wrote on November 2, 2011
You need about 1 cup of pomegranate seeds. I got that out of one large pomegranate. The salad would serve 4 but if you used it as a main meal, maybe only 2. Depends on how big of servings you like.
Amanda wrote on November 2, 2011
I just found your blog and I’m so glad I did! I love the combination of whole-foods-based recipes and health-related information about their ingredients’.
This maple vinaigrette, in particular, sounds fantastic!