Christmas Salad Recipe
This Christmas Salad bursts with festive color, texture, and flavor—all in one glorious bowl. Tender mixed greens form the foundation, while a symphony of pomegranate seeds, juicy orange segments, crisp apple slices, tangy cranberries, crunchy candied pecans, savory feta, and a drizzle of honey-balsamic dressing combine to create a salad that’s equal parts elegant and irresistible. Whether you’re dazzling guests at your holiday table or bringing something special to a potluck, this Christmas Salad adds brilliance and cheer wherever it appears.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of vibrant components, you can whip up a Christmas Salad that’s both simple and spectacular. Each ingredient plays a purpose—bringing a unique flavor, a pop of color, or a perfect bit of crunch—so don’t skip any of these festive favorites!
- Mixed salad greens: A medley of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine (or your favorites) is the refreshing backbone of the salad.
- Pomegranate seeds: Their ruby red color and juicy burst tie together the salad’s holiday spirit while adding a gentle sweetness.
- Orange segments: These slices deliver brightness, a hint of tartness, and an irresistible juicy bite.
- Red apple slices: Crisp apples provide natural sweetness and a crunchy contrast to the tender greens.
- Dried cranberries: These chewy jewels layer in a sweet-tart flavor that’s classic for holiday salads.
- Candied pecans: Their caramelized crunch is pure magic, making every forkful more exciting.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Soft and tangy, feta adds a creamy richness that balances out the sweetness of the fruit.
- Red onion (thinly sliced): Sliced extra thin, red onion brings just enough sharpness to keep every bite interesting.
- Olive oil: The base of our dressing, adding a smooth, fruity depth to the salad.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity and subtle sweetness for balance in the vinaigrette.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey rounds out the dressing with golden sweetness and brings the flavors together.
- Dijon mustard: Essential for a creamy, emulsified dressing with a gentle kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Don’t forget these essentials to enhance and harmonize all the flavors!
How to Make Christmas Salad
Step 1: Whisk Up the Dressing
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together your olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture looks thick, glossy, and fully combined—this is the magic that will tie your Christmas Salad together with both sweet and savory flavor. Set the bowl aside so it’s ready when you need it.
Step 2: Assemble the Green Foundation
In your largest salad bowl, heap in the mixed greens. Add the crisp apple slices, juicy orange segments, red onion, and a handful of dried cranberries. These layers build serious holiday color and flavor. Drizzle about half of your dressing over the greens and toss gently—you want every leaf lightly coated but not soggy!
Step 3: Crown with Holiday Jewels
Now, sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the top, then add a generous scatter of candied pecans and fluffy crumbles of feta cheese. These will sit beautifully on top of the greens, making the salad look gorgeously festive and extra inviting. Try not to mix too much, so the toppings remain bright and prominent.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Right before serving, drizzle the remaining dressing across the top and give the salad one final, gentle toss—just enough to bring everything together without bruising those delicate greens. Bring your Christmas Salad straight to the table and watch it disappear.
How to Serve Christmas Salad
Garnishes
A flourish of extra pomegranate seeds, a few more candied pecans, or even a final crumble of feta looks stunning on the salad just before it heads to the table. For the ultimate finish, zest a bit of orange over the top for a burst of citrus oil that instantly awakens all the flavors.
Side Dishes
Christmas Salad matches beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a vegetarian main course. Pair alongside rosemary roasted potatoes or a slice of garlic bread for a complete (and memorable) holiday spread that’s as nourishing as it is vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopping presentation, serve Christmas Salad on a large white platter, arranging the toppings artistically for a festive wreath effect. You can even portion individual salads in elegant glass bowls or layer the ingredients in a trifle dish for gorgeous, colorful stripes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have any leftovers, store the Christmas Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. For best texture, keep any remaining dressing separate so the greens stay crisp. The fruit may release a bit of juice, but the flavors only deepen and mingle overnight.
Freezing
Unfortunately, Christmas Salad is not a friend of the freezer. The delicate greens and juicy fruits will become limp and lose their bright, fresh appeal after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time only.
Reheating
This salad really shines served cold or at room temperature—definitely no reheating needed. Simply toss again before serving if it’s spent some time in the fridge, to distribute the dressing and freshen up the greens.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing, wash and chop all your fruits and veggies, and store everything in separate airtight containers. Right before serving, toss everything together for the freshest flavor and best texture.
Is Christmas Salad gluten-free?
Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free Dijon mustard. All the remaining ingredients are perfect for those avoiding gluten, making it a great choice for diverse holiday gatherings.
Can I swap out the feta cheese?
Certainly! Goat cheese is a wonderful substitute if you prefer a milder, creamier flavor. If you want a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese, or use your favorite plant-based feta alternative.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy greens?
The trick is to dress the Christmas Salad just before serving. If you need to prep ahead, keep the salad and dressing separate, then toss together at the last minute—this keeps every bite fresh and crisp.
Can I use other nuts instead of candied pecans?
Of course! Toasted walnuts or sliced almonds both work beautifully. For a savory spin, try spiced pecans or even pistachios—each brings a slightly different crunch and flavor to the finished salad.
Final Thoughts
Let the Christmas Salad bring sparkle, color, and irresistible flavor to your holiday table. It’s easy to make, loved by all ages, and promises to become a tradition you look forward to every winter. Gather your ingredients and give this festive salad a try—you might just discover your new favorite holiday dish!
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Christmas Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Christmas Salad is a festive and colorful addition to your holiday table. It combines mixed greens with a variety of fruits, nuts, and cheese, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a Christmas dinner or any winter gathering.
Ingredients
Mixed Greens:
6 cups
Pomegranate Seeds:
1 cup
Orange Segments:
1 cup
Red Apple Slices:
1 cup
Dried Cranberries:
1/2 cup
Candied Pecans:
1/2 cup
Feta Cheese:
1/2 cup, crumbled
Red Onion:
1/4 cup, thinly sliced
Olive Oil:
1/4 cup
Balsamic Vinegar:
2 tablespoons
Honey:
1 tablespoon
Dijon Mustard:
1 teaspoon
Salt:
to taste
Black Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, red apple slices, orange segments, red onion, and dried cranberries. Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Finishing: Top the salad with pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the remaining dressing just before serving and toss lightly. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese for feta if preferred.
- For extra crunch, use toasted walnuts or almonds instead of candied pecans.
- This salad can be prepped a few hours ahead by storing the dressing separately and tossing before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
