A bright and fresh salad for holiday tables.
introduction
This Christmas Salad is colorful, fresh, and easy. It uses greens, sweet orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta, and candied pecans. The salad looks like a holiday plate and tastes bright and sweet. Try it with other simple dishes like Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad for a full meal.
why make this recipe
Make this salad for its color and fast prep. It adds a fresh touch to heavy holiday foods. Guests often like the sweet fruit, crunchy pecans, and salty feta. It is quick to toss and looks festive. Learn more about simple holiday choices on our about us page.
how to make Christmas Salad
Ingredients :
For the Salad, 7 cups mixed spring greens, 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarin, clementine, or tangerine), 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries), 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped,
For the Dressing, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced shallot, Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
Add salad ingredients to a large bowl.
Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
Drizzle dressing over salad to taste.
Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.
how to serve Christmas Salad
Serve on a large platter or in a salad bowl. Add the dressing right before guests sit. For a pretty look, arrange greens, then scatter orange segments and pomegranate on top. Sprinkle feta and candied pecans last. Serve with a spoon or tongs so guests can pick pieces easily.
how to store Christmas Salad
If you make ahead, keep dressing separate. Store greens and toppings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Add dressing and toss just before serving. Leftover dressed salad may get soggy; eat within a few hours.
tips to make Christmas Salad
Use very fresh greens for the best crunch. Peel oranges carefully to remove white pith. If you use dried cranberries instead of pomegranate seeds, the salad stays a bit firmer. For easy prep, buy pre-crumbled feta and pre-candied pecans. For more tips, check a quick bio by Anna Wilson for simple ideas.
variation (if any)
- Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier taste.
- Use toasted walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
- Add thin sliced apple for extra crunch.
- Use balsamic vinegar in the dressing for a richer flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes. Use maple syrup instead of honey and skip the feta or use a vegan cheese.
Q: Can I use frozen pomegranate seeds?
A: Fresh is best, but thawed frozen seeds work if you drain excess water first.
Q: How long can the dressing keep?
A: Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week. Shake before use.
Q: Can I add protein?
A: Yes. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted tofu work well.
Conclusion
For more ideas and similar festive salads, see this Christmas Salad Recipe – Dinner at the Zoo. If you want a fruity crunch mix, try this Holiday Honeycrisp Salad • FIVEheartHOME. For another holiday salad take, visit Christmas Salad – Julia’s Album.
Christmas Salad
Ingredients
- 7 cups mixed spring greens Use very fresh greens for the best crunch.
- 1.25 cups orange segments (mandarin, clementine, or tangerine) Peel oranges carefully to remove white pith.
- 0.5 cups pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries) If using dried cranberries, the salad stays a bit firmer.
- 0.5 cups crumbled feta cheese For easy prep, buy pre-crumbled feta.
- 0.5 cups candied pecans, roughly chopped For easy prep, buy pre-candied pecans.
- 0.33 cups olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey Can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Can use balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor.
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Add salad ingredients to a large bowl.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle dressing over salad to taste.
- Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.
