If you’re looking for a vibrant, festive dish that bursts with flavor and color, this Christmas Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a joyful combination of crisp spring greens, juicy citrus segments, tangy feta, and crunchy candied pecans, all brought together by a luscious, honey-Dijon dressing. Every bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tart that feels like a celebration on your plate. Whether you’re serving it alongside your holiday roast or enjoying it as a light festive treat, this Christmas Salad Recipe will quickly become a beloved tradition at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the crispness of mixed greens to the juicy pop of pomegranate seeds and the creamy contrast of feta. These ingredients combine to create a wonderful harmony of texture and flavor that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your palate.
- 7 cups mixed spring greens: A colorful, tender base that provides fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarin oranges, clementines, or tangerines): Adds juicy sweetness and bursts of citrus brightness.
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries): Offers tartness and a jewel-like pop that’s perfect for holiday flair.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Brings a creamy, salty note that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chopped candied pecans: Introduces a buttery crunch with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: The smooth base for the dressing, adding richness without overpowering flavors.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetness that enhances the salad’s festive feel.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and depth to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Provides a bright, acidic lift to balance the honey and oil.
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot: Offers a subtle onion flavor, giving the dressing complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Christmas Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by taking your large mixing bowl and adding the mixed spring greens. Then, gently fold in the orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and chopped candied pecans. This step is all about layering flavors and textures, so be gentle to keep those orange segments intact and the greens fresh and crisp.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-blended. The dressing should have a beautiful, glossy consistency that will coat the salad evenly, giving every bite that perfect combination of sweet and tangy.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture little by little, tossing gently after each addition to ensure even coverage. This method helps avoid overdressing and keeps the greens from becoming soggy. Your Christmas Salad Recipe is now ready to shine with bright flavors and balanced texture.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
To enjoy the freshest taste and the most appealing crunch, serve the salad right away. The delicate greens and citrus will hold their vibrant texture perfectly when fresh, making your Christmas Salad Recipe a stunning centerpiece on any holiday table.
How to Serve Christmas Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To take this salad to the next level, consider sprinkling extra pomegranate seeds or candied pecans on top just before serving. A small handful of fresh herbs like mint or parsley can also brighten the dish visually and add a refreshing note that complements the existing flavors.
Side Dishes
This Christmas Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with a range of festive mains. It’s especially lovely alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or even a hearty vegetarian main like stuffed portobello mushrooms. The fresh acidity and crunch help balance out rich holiday dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve the salad in individual clear glass bowls or festive holiday-themed plates, allowing the colors to pop. Layer the ingredients in a large trifle dish for a striking centerpiece or use edible citrus slices to rim the bowl, adding an extra festive touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Christmas Salad Recipe, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate right away. Because the salad involves fresh greens and juicy citrus, it’s best enjoyed within one to two days to maintain its crispness and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended due to the delicate nature of its fresh ingredients. The texture of the greens, orange segments, and nuts would be compromised upon thawing, making it lose the delightful freshness that makes this Christmas Salad Recipe so wonderful.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served fresh and chilled, so reheating is not advised. Instead, if you plan to make it ahead, prepare all components separately and toss them together right before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor or have dietary restrictions, goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese alternative works beautifully in this Christmas Salad Recipe, maintaining that creamy, tangy finish.
What nuts work best if I don’t have candied pecans?
Walnuts or almonds, lightly toasted and tossed with a little honey and a pinch of cinnamon, make excellent substitutes while keeping that lovely crunch and a hint of sweetness.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. Also ensure your honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave to keep everything plant-based without losing any flavor.
Can this salad be made in advance?
You can prep the dressing and chop the nuts ahead of time. Keep the greens, fruit, and cheese separate and toss everything together just before serving to preserve freshness as described in the Make Ahead and Storage section.
What’s the best way to peel oranges for this salad?
Use a sharp knife to cut away the peel and pith, then carefully segment the orange by cutting between the membranes. This technique ensures clean, juicy segments without any bitter white parts, enhancing the beauty of your Christmas Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Salad Recipe holds a special place in my heart because of its perfect blend of fresh, bright, and festive flavors that effortlessly come together with simple ingredients. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of elegance and joy to any holiday meal. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—here’s to creating delicious memories this holiday season!
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Christmas Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Christmas Salad featuring mixed spring greens, citrus segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and candied pecans, all tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon vinaigrette. This festive salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors with a delightful crunch, ideal for holiday gatherings or a light seasonal meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarin oranges, clementines, or tangerines)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped candied pecans
Dressing Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed spring greens and gently fold in the orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped candied pecans, ensuring all components are evenly distributed without bruising the greens.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified, adjusting seasoning to your preference.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture to taste. Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, taking care not to wilt the greens.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy optimal freshness and texture, making it a perfect vibrant starter or side dish for any festive meal.
Notes
- You can substitute pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries if fresh seeds are unavailable.
- For a nut-free version, omit the candied pecans or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying the amount of honey according to taste.
- To prep ahead, prepare the dressing and chop ingredients separately and combine just before serving.
- This salad is best served fresh as greens may wilt if dressed too far in advance.
