Tu B’Shevat Salad

Tu B’Shevat, also known as “New Year for the Trees,” takes place on the 15^th of Shevat in the Hebrew calendar (late January – early February on the Gregorian calendar). Tu B’Shevat marks the beginning of spring in Israel; it is one of four annual “new years” described in the Mishnah. It’s a time to celebrate the natural world. Gratitude is given for the fruits of the earth and everything that grows.

Traditionally, a bounty of fruits and vegetables grace the Tu B’Shevat holiday table. In some parts of the world Jews partake in a Tu B’Shevat Seder meal, complete with prayers and food blessings. Others celebrate by taking a picnic under the trees or simply making a meal featuring all the fruits of the season. Jewish schools often hold outdoor parades; students wear white and make baskets overflowing with fruit. In Israel, people are encouraged to plant trees and give back to the earth, which is similar to our U.S. tradition of Arbor Day.

Typical foods served on Tu B’Shevat include fruits, nuts, grains, and vegetables. The almond trees bloom at this time of year, so almond-laden foods often make an appearance on the holiday table. Those who partake in a Tu B’Shevat Seder will eat at least 15 different types of fruits and vegetables. Traditionally carob pods are often included in the meal; diners snack on the chocolaty fruit inside the pod. It is also customary to include the Seven Species mentioned in the Torah: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.

This is a salad I created especially for Tu B’Shevat. I included traditional holiday ingredients… pomegranates, raisins (grapes), and sliced toasted almonds decorate the salad, adding sweetness and crunch. Three of the seven species are used: pomegranates, grapes, and olives (olive oil) in the Pomegranate Dressing. The dressing is creamy yet pareve thanks to a little added mayonnaise and a slow emulsion in the blender. You may want to save the dressing recipe, it’s so yummy and a pretty shade of pink. Edible flowers are a lovely and elegant touch… you can find them in specialty markets or gourmet grocers. If you can’t locate any, don’t worry, they’re optional. Please don’t go cutting flowers in your garden without knowing that they’re edible and pesticide free!

This salad is visually beautiful and healthy, but more importantly it’s a symphony of natural flavors… a perfect way to celebrate Tu B’Shevat, or any time you feel like a sweet and tasty salad.

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Tu B'Shevat Salad with Pomegranate Dressing

Recipe for Tu B'Shevat Salad with butter lettuce, apples, pears, raisins, pomegranate seeds, almonds, and creamy homemade pomegranate dressing.

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COURSE: Salad

Kosher Key: Parve

Servings: 6 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

• 1 head butter lettuce, torn into pieces
• 1 ripe pear
• 1 sweet apple (Gala, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady work well)
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 1/3 cup sliced toasted almonds
• 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
• Edible flowers for garnish (optional)

Pomegranate Dressing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
• 2 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

NOTES

You will also need: salad bowl, blender

Instructions

To Make Salad

• Place the torn butter lettuce in a salad bowl.
  
  
• Chop the pear and apple into small chunks; keep the skin on, do not peel.
  
  
• Add fruit chunks to the salad bowl along with the golden raisins. Toss ingredients together till combined.
  
  
• Divide the salad between six salad plates. Sprinkle each portion of salad with sliced toasted almonds and pomegranate seeds. Garnish with edible flowers, if desired.
  
  

To Make Dressing

• In a blender, combine pomegranate juice, mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Blend for a few seconds to mix.
  
  
• Open the pouring spout on the top of your blender and turn blender on to medium. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil very slowly through the pouring spout into the dressing. It should take 60 seconds or longer to drizzle the entire quarter cup of oil.
  
  
• Pour thickened dressing into a serving dish. It should be a lovely pink color.
  
  
• Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of dressing over each portion of salad before serving.
  
  

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Tu B'Shevat Salad with Pomegranate Dressing

Amount Per Serving

Calories 220 Calories from Fat 144

% Daily Value*

Fat 16g25%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 2mg1%

Sodium 234mg10%

Potassium 245mg7%

Carbohydrates 18g6%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 12g13%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 900IU18%

Vitamin C 5.4mg7%

Calcium 32mg3%

Iron 0.8mg4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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