Christmas Salad: A Colorful Holiday Favorite

why make this recipe

This salad looks bright and festive. It adds color to your holiday table. It tastes fresh, sweet, and a little salty from the feta. It is fast to make and works well with many main dishes.

introduction

This Christmas Salad mixes greens, sweet citrus, and crunchy pecans. The dressing is mild and slightly sweet. You can make it in minutes and serve it right away. It fits holiday meals and small dinners.

how to make Christmas Salad: A Colorful Holiday Favorite

Make the salad in three easy steps:

• Combine the salad ingredients in a big bowl.
• Whisk the dressing until it is smooth.
• Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve.

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: A Colorful Holiday Favorite

Serve the salad right after you toss it so the greens stay crisp. Put it in a wide bowl or on a platter so the colors show. For a warm finish to the meal try a simple dessert like this linked custard pie: custard pie.

how to store Christmas Salad: A Colorful Holiday Favorite

If you must store it, keep the dressing separate. Cover the greens and toppings in an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to one day. Toss with dressing right before serving. Once dressed, it is best eaten within a few hours.

tips to make Christmas Salad: A Colorful Holiday Favorite

• Use fresh greens and dry them well so the dressing sticks.
• Peel the citrus cleanly to avoid bitter pith.
• Chop candied pecans roughly for a good crunch.
• Taste the dressing and adjust honey or vinegar to your liking.
• Add the feta last so it does not get crushed.

variation (if any)

• Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier tang.
• Use toasted walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
• Add sliced pear or apple for more sweetness.
• For a vegan version, skip the feta and use maple syrup instead of honey.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the dressing a day ahead and store in the fridge. Shake or whisk before using.

Q: Can I use other greens?
A: Yes. Baby spinach, arugula, or mixed lettuces work well.

Q: Are dried cranberries a good swap for pomegranate seeds?
A: Yes. Dried cranberries add sweet chewiness if pomegranate is not available.

Q: How many does this serve?
A: This makes about 4 to 6 side-dish servings, depending on portions.

Conclusion

For another clear recipe idea and a similar festive salad, see this Christmas Salad Recipe – Dinner at the Zoo: Christmas Salad Recipe – Dinner at the Zoo

Christmas Salad

A vibrant salad featuring mixed greens, sweet citrus, crunchy pecans, and a lightly sweet dressing, perfect for festive gatherings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Salad

• 7 cups mixed spring greens Use fresh greens and dry them well.
• 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarin, clementine, or tangerine) Peel the citrus cleanly to avoid bitter pith.
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries) Dried cranberries can add sweet chewiness.
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese Add feta last to prevent crushing.
• 1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped Chop roughly for a good crunch.

For the Dressing

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey Adjust sweetness to your liking.
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Combine the salad ingredients in a big bowl.
2. Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve the salad right after tossing for crisp greens. If storing, keep dressing separate and toss right before serving. Best eaten within a few hours once dressed.