There’s something magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? The aroma of pine in the air, the warmth of family and friends gathered around a table, and of course—delicious food that we eagerly look forward to! One of my absolute favorite dishes to bring to the table is this Christmas Salad. It’s not just a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors; it also dances with flavors that remind me of the joy and brightness of the holidays. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve received compliments or even requests for the recipe after serving this beauty at a gathering. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
What makes this recipe special
This Christmas Salad stands out because it’s not just about creating a healthy side; it’s about crafting an experience! The crunch of mixed greens, the sweet, juicy orange segments, and the burst of pomegranate seeds—oh, that delightful combo! It feels like a celebration in your mouth. The feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy twist, while the candied pecans drizzle on that sweet crunch. Seriously, it’s a medley that lifts your spirits, all while keeping it wholesome. Plus, it can be prepped in a snap, making it stress-free during those busy holiday moments. Who wouldn’t love a dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious?
Gather these ingredients
For the Salad:
Mixed Spring Greens (7 cups): Think of these as your salad’s canvas. A mixture of textures and flavors provides a wonderful base, keeping things fresh and light. You can also get creative with kale or arugula if you’re in the mood for something peppery or hearty.
Orange Segments (1 1/4 cups): Use mandarins, clementines, or tangerines—whatever brightens your spirits! These juicy nuggets bring that burst of sweetness and acidity, reminiscent of sun-kissed summer days, which contrasts perfectly with the rich feta.
Pomegranate Seeds (1/2 cup) or Dried Cranberries: These little jewels add a tartness that balances out the sweetness of the oranges. Pomegranate seeds add a pop of color and crunch; however, dried cranberries are a great alternative if pomegranates aren’t in season!
Feta Cheese (1/2 cup): Crumbled like snowy white clouds, feta adds that much-needed tanginess. If you want a dairy-free option, you could try using a nut-based cheese or even leave it out entirely!
Candied Pecans (1/2 cup, roughly chopped): These gems are a game-changer. Their sweetness and crunchy texture will have you craving more! If you’re watching your sugar intake, toasted walnuts or plain pecans can replace them easily.
For the Dressing:
Olive Oil (1/3 cup): This is your salad’s base for vinaigrette. Use a good quality, flavorful oil—it’s worth it here!
Honey (1 tablespoon): Adds a delightful sweetness! Maple syrup can serve as a lovely vegan substitute.
Dijon Mustard (2 teaspoons): You might be surprised at how mustard can take things up a notch! It provides a slight kick that elevates the entire dressing.
Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): A tangy, fruity note that keeps everything bright and fresh. You can swap it for balsamic vinegar if you prefer a deeper flavor.
Minced Shallot (1 tablespoon): Think of shallots as the gentler cousin to onions—they give a subtle sweetness and complexity.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all those flavors together!
Preparing Christmas Salad: A Colorful Holiday Favorite
Mix the Greens: Start by tossing those vibrant mixed greens into a large bowl. Make sure they’re nice and fluffy, as if you’re combining layers of festive cheer.
Add the Goodies: Layer on the orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and candied pecans—each ingredient should feel like a gift unwrapped, revealing its unique flavors.
Whisk That Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallots until smooth. Seriously, don’t skip the whisking; it transforms the dressing!
Dress the Salad: Now, it’s time to drizzle that luscious dressing over the salad. Start with a little and adjust to your taste. Trust me; you want the flavors to coat every beautiful leaf.
Toss Lightly: Use your hands or salad tongs to gently toss everything together, ensuring each bite is a perfect explosion of flavors.
Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so gather your loved ones and serve it while the greens are crisp and bright!
Best way to enjoy it
This Christmas Salad is a stunning centerpiece as it is beautiful to look at and delicious! I love serving it alongside roasted meats like turkey or glazed ham—it complements those hearty flavors beautifully. You could also pair it with hearty whole-grain bread for a more complete meal. Feeling adventurous? A splash of your favorite balsamic reduction will take this salad to heights unknown!
Keeping leftovers fresh
If by some chance there are leftovers (which is rare at my table!), store the components separately. The greens can wilt and lose their charm, so keep them in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. The dressing should also be kept in a separate jar in the fridge. It will last well for about a week; just give it a good shake before using it again!
Pro chef tips
Quality Ingredients: Always opt for fresh, high-quality produce. The brighter and fresher your ingredients, the more vibrant your salad will be!
Customize Your Crunch: If you want to switch it up a bit, consider lightly toasting your nuts before adding them. This will intensify their flavor and provide an extra toasty crunch.
Sweetness Balance: Always taste your dressing first. If it’s too tangy for your taste, add a teaspoon more honey until you get that balance just right.
Creative Twists
Feel like experimenting? Why not swap the greens for kale for a heartier option? Or for a little spice, add slices of jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili flakes on top. You could also ditch the feta and try avocado for a creamy vegan alternative that pairs beautifully with the citrus.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare?
- Roughly 20-25 minutes!
Can I make it ahead of time?
- It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients a day prior and store them separately.
What can I substitute for the honey?
- Maple syrup works wonderfully for a vegan option!
Is it gluten-free?
- Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What else can I add?
- Grilled chicken or shrimp would make it a heartier meal—perfect for a lunch!
You’ve made it to the end, and I hope you’re feeling inspired! This Christmas Salad is more than just a dish; it’s an opportunity to bring joy and health to your table during the festive season. So, gather your ingredients, grab a loved one, and let the magic happen in your kitchen. And hey, when you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—feel free to share your tweaks, experiences, and feedback! You’re not just cooking a salad; you’re building holiday memories. Happy cooking!
Christmas Salad: A Colorful Holiday Favorite
Description
This Christmas Salad is a colorful medley of flavors and textures, featuring mixed greens, juicy oranges, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and candied pecans, all dressed in a light vinaigrette.Ingredients for Christmas Salad
For the Salad
For the Dressing
Instructions to Prepare Christmas Salad
Mix and Serve
Prepare the Salad
Toss the mixed greens in a large bowl until fluffy.Add the Ingredients
Layer the orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and candied pecans on top.Make the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallots until smooth.Whisking transforms the dressing's texture.Dress the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and adjust to taste.Toss Lightly
Gently toss the salad to ensure even coating.Serve Immediately
Best enjoyed fresh, serve while the greens are crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 200kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 10mg4%
- Sodium 150mg7%
- Potassium 250mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 5g10%
- Vitamin A 150 IU
- Vitamin C 60 mg
- Calcium 100 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 25 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.1 mg
- Niacin 1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 80 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 50 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 30 mg
- Zinc 0.5 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
