christmas parma ham salad pomegranate mint almonds and white stilton
Joye Cranfill
Ingredients
- Christmas Parma Ham
- Pomegranate Seeds (Arils)
- Fresh Mint Leaves
- Almonds, Toasted
- White Stilton Cheese Slices or Crumbles
- Mixed Green Salad Lettuce (For Base)
- Balsamic Glaze (Optional, for drizzling)
- Salt and Pepper (To Taste)
- Olive Oil (For Dressing)
Keywords:
- Christmas Parma Ham
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Fresh Mint Leaves
- Toasted Almonds
- White Stilton Cheese
- Mixed Green Salad Lettuce
- Balsamic Glaze
Steps
### Christmas Parmesan Ham Salad with Pomegranate Mint Almonds and White Stilton
#### Introduction
Celebrate the festive season with this luxurious and visually stunning Christmas Parmesan Ham Salad. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special meal, this salad combines the rich flavors of pomegranate, mint, almonds, and white stilton cheese with the savory touch of parmesan ham. Follow these detailed steps to create an unforgettable dish.
#### Ingredients
- 200g cooked and sliced parmesan ham
- 1 large pomegranate, seeds only
- 150g baby spinach leaves
- 60g roasted almonds (or walnuts for a nut allergy alternative)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint leaves, chopped
#### Equipment Needed
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Salad bowl or large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
#### Detailed Steps
**Step 1: Prepare the Pomegranate**
1. Carefully cut off the top of the pomegranate and gently break it apart to access the seeds.
2. Using your hands, separate the seeds from the white membrane and any remaining pith.
**Step 2: Cook the Ham (Optional)**
If you have uncooked ham:
1. Slice the ham into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside to cool.
**Step 3: Roast Almonds (Optional)**
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking tray.
3. Bake for about 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
4. Remove from the oven, let cool, then chop into small pieces.
**Step 4: Make the Dressing**
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to taste.
2. Set aside.
**Step 5: Assemble the Salad**
1. Place baby spinach leaves in your serving dish or salad bowl.
2. Add sliced parmesan ham over the spinach.
3. Scatter pomegranate seeds and chopped almonds on top of the ham.
4. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad, making sure to coat all ingredients.
**Step 6: Garnish with Mint**
1. Finely chop fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them over the top of the salad for a burst of freshness.
#### Tips and Variations
- For an extra touch, add some crumbled white stilton cheese on top.
- Consider using other seasonal fruits like cranberries or cherries to enhance the flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of dressing according to your taste preference.
#### Conclusion
This Christmas Parmesan Ham Salad with Pomegranate Mint Almonds and White Stilton is a delicious, elegant dish that's perfect for any festive occasion. By following these detailed steps, you can create a visually appealing and flavorful salad that will impress your guests. Happy cooking!