Fennel Pomegranate Salad

Sometimes the simple things in life are the best.  A walk with a friend, a beautiful sunset, a cup of really good coffee unadorned.I have to admit that the things I enjoy most are usually the least complicated, especially when it comes to foods.  I like a good soup that comes together quickly, or a stir fry, but salads are a must with many of the dinners I decide to make on weeknights.  If I have a warm main dish, I like a cool fresh side so I get the best of both worlds. 

Which is where my Fennel Pomegranate salad comes in! I actually have made a fennel slaw for quite a while now with just fennel and toasted pine nuts in a lemon vinaigrette that I quite enjoy, and my Mom often requests that I make for her.  If I am feeling a bit decident, I add a bit of pecorino romano as well for a simple but delicious salad. 

The other night however, I decided that pomegranate seeds would be wonderful in my simple fennel salad.  They were a beautiful addition, and they added a tart sweetness.  Since it was so good I needed to share it with you all, it is super simple and easy to make!  Perfect for when you have had too much rich holiday food as well.  Hope you all are having a great first week of 2012!

Fennel Pomegranate Salad

Serves 3

Salad:
3 fennel bulbs, thinly sliced
seeds of one pomegranate
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

Dressing:
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp dried thyme
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a large bowl combine fennel, pomegranate seeds, and pine nuts.  Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, thyme and sea salt and pepper to taste and toss dressing with fennel mixture.  Serve!