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20
Sep
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Pomegranate Cumin Yogurt Dressing |
If I had to come up with a list of my favorite bands on the fly, it would not include Aerosmith. Not that I dislike them, they just aren’t among my top favorites. Similarly, Armageddon is a movie I liked but wouldn’t be at the top of my list of favorite movies.
So why is it that that song I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing is one of the most common songs I get stuck in my head?
Again, not a bad song – just not my favorite. But it must have some unique catchy-ness because it was playing in my head as I uploaded these photos and somehow seemed very appropriate. I couldn’t help thinking, “I don’t want YOU to miss a thing. Not the bright green arugula, tender grilled figs, caramelized grilled purple onions, succulent shredded duck or the just-slightly-melted manchego.”
And so I chose the photographs accordingly, so you’d get a hint of every carefully chosen bite that made this salad come together deliciously.
I haven’t yet mentioned the dressing. It’s tart, tangy, and a little smokey. And a lot wonderful. I used a yogurt base to keep it on the lighter side, but it’s plenty lively from bright mint and pomegranate, while balsamic vinegar and cumin add depth of flavor. Try it as I did here, with grilled figs, duck and manchego; or drizzled over mixed greens with sausage, goat cheese, and dried figs or even dates if fresh are not available.
Pomegranate-Cumin Yogurt Dressing
Adapted from Bon Appetit, August 2010
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses (can be reduced from 1/2 cup pomegranate juice)
6 tablespoons minced shallots
1/2 cup / 4oz nonfat plain Greek yogurt
Combine all ingredients in a blender and whisk until smooth. Store in refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to one week.
I'm Cara, lover of creative, clean food and healthy living. Pumpkin, goat cheese, and eggplant make me swoon. I have an insatiable sweet tooth and desire to lift heavy things. 
Dawn — September 20, 2010 @ 3:46 pm
I love anything with fig and balsamic. In fact I just bought a tart pan and am trying to find the time to bake a balsamic fig tart. Still need to finish unpacking from my campout!
Tyler — September 20, 2010 @ 4:01 pm
Wow, that sounds so fancy! (and delicious!) Also, I love manchego cheese!
Joanne — September 20, 2010 @ 5:48 pm
You have a serious knack for combining flavors Cara. I love how you got every color and every texture into these photos! Now I want them all in my belly!
Barbara — September 21, 2010 @ 4:44 pm
There are some yummy flavors there, Cara. I love the idea of pomegrante molasses…so used to doing that with balsamic, never thought about trying it with pomegrante juice. Nice tip!
Shannon — September 22, 2010 @ 1:22 am
ha. i have a tendency to get the songs i don't like stuck in my head! this sounds like such a perfect combo of flavors here 🙂
yellowfish — September 22, 2010 @ 5:23 am
This dressing sounds amazing! I'm on a huge Greek yogurt kick so I've got to try it!
Taste of Beirut — September 23, 2010 @ 6:34 pm
This dressing and the salad that goes with it sound to die-for; except I wont die, I will just eat it again adn again!Happy holidays!
Kerstin — September 23, 2010 @ 9:02 pm
What a flavorful dressing! The whole salad looks delicious and filling too.
Kerstin — April 5, 2011 @ 1:13 am
What a flavorful dressing! The whole salad looks delicious and filling too.
Shannon — April 5, 2011 @ 1:13 am
ha. i have a tendency to get the songs i don't like stuck in my head! this sounds like such a perfect combo of flavors here 🙂
Dawn — April 5, 2011 @ 1:13 am
I love anything with fig and balsamic. In fact I just bought a tart pan and am trying to find the time to bake a balsamic fig tart. Still need to finish unpacking from my campout!