Layered Vegetable Salad with Pomegranate

This Layered Vegetable Salad with Pomegranate is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for ringing in the New Year. The combination of crisp, colorful vegetables like grated beetroot, carrots, and onions, paired with the sweet burst of pomegranate seeds, makes for a visually stunning and delicious salad. The addition of garlic adds a savory depth, perfectly complementing the tangy yogurt or mayonnaise dressing. This festive salad is not only healthy and refreshing but also an eye-catching centerpiece for your New Year’s table, bringing both flavor and a pop of color to your celebration.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 medium beetroot, boiled and grated
• 2 medium carrots, boiled and grated
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
• 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or yogurt (for dressing)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pomegranate Garnish:

• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (fresh or from 1 pomegranate)

Optional Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for a little heat)

 

Preparation

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Boil the beetroot and carrots until soft (about 10-15 minutes). Let them cool before peeling and grating them.
• Finely chop the onion and set aside.
• Mince or grate the garlic cloves and set aside.

2. Assemble the Salad:

• Start by layering the grated vegetables in a large shallow dish or plate. You can layer them in the following order for a beautiful and colorful presentation:

1. 1. 1. Grated beetroot as the first layer.
      2. Grated carrots on top of the beetroot layer.
      3. Chopped onions on top of the carrots.

3. Add the Garlic and Dressing:

• Mix the minced garlic with the mayonnaise or yogurt to create a flavorful dressing. Add a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Season with salt, pepper, and any of your favorite spices (such as cumin or turmeric).
• Drizzle the garlic-infused dressing over the vegetable layers.

4. Top with Garnishes:

• Sprinkle the top with freshly chopped dill for a pop of green and garnish with grated cheese (optional).
• Finish with a generous layer of pomegranate seeds to give the salad a sweet and tangy flavor.

5. Serve:

• Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.

Adding garlic to this salad brings a savory kick that balances the sweetness of the pomegranate and the richness of the vegetables, making it even more flavorful and aromatic. Enjoy this vibrant and delicious dish for your New Year’s celebration!