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
Scale
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.
