Easy & Festive Christmas Salad Recipe

Welcome the holidays with a vibrant, refreshing Christmas salad Recipe that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat! This recipe brings together fresh, seasonal ingredients for a side dish that truly shines. Sweet Emily knows busy parents and beginners need simple solutions, and this festive salad delivers. You will love how easy it is to prepare this colorful Christmas salad, making it the perfect addition to any holiday meal. Prepare for a bright, flavorful side that perfectly complements all your festive main courses.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Salad

This beautiful Christmas salad offers so many reasons to make it your new holiday staple.

• Quick & Easy: It comes together in minutes with minimal effort, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Visually Stunning: Ruby red pomegranate, bright orange segments, and green lettuce create a gorgeous festive presentation.
• Irresistible Flavors: Enjoy a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes in every bite.
• Perfect for Entertaining: This elegant side dish is always a crowd-pleaser and ideal for holiday gatherings.
• Dietary Friendly: Easily customizable to fit various dietary needs, making it inclusive for all guests.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a truly spectacular Christmas salad. This vibrant combination ensures a wonderful texture and flavor experience.

For the Salad:

• 7 cups mixed spring greens: Choose a fresh, crisp blend for the perfect light base. Eating a diet rich in leafy greens, like those in spring mix, offers numerous health benefits, including vital vitamins and minerals. Learn more about the nutritional advantages of mixed spring greens.
• 1 1/4 cups orange segments: Use peeled, juicy mandarin oranges, clementines, or tangerines for sweet bursts.
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds: These ruby-red jewels add a tart crunch and beautiful color. Beyond their vibrant color and tart flavor, pomegranate seeds are packed with antioxidants and fiber. Explore the health benefits of pomegranate seeds.
• 1/2 cup feta cheese: Crumble this salty, creamy cheese for a delightful savory element.
• 1/2 cup candied pecans: Roughly chopped, they provide a sweet, buttery crunch that elevates the entire dish.

For the Dressing:

• 1/3 cup olive oil: A high-quality olive oil creates a rich, smooth base for your dressing.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the acidity.
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Offers a tangy kick and acts as an emulsifying agent for a smooth dressing.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Provides a bright, acidic lift that cuts through richness.
• 1 tablespoon shallot: Finely minced, it contributes a mild, delicate onion flavor without being overpowering.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste, enhancing all the natural flavors.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adjust this vibrant Christmas salad recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Oranges: Fresh clementines, mandarins, or tangerines work wonderfully. Feel free to use navel oranges, just ensure they are segmented and pith-free.
• Feta Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, purchase a block of feta and crumble it yourself. Pre-crumbled feta can sometimes be drier.
• Pecans: Homemade candied pecans are amazing, but store-bought ones are a great time-saver. You can also toast plain pecans for a savory alternative.
• Pomegranate: If fresh pomegranates are hard to find, dried cranberries or cherries make an excellent sweet-tart substitute.
• Greens: Pre-washed mixed greens are a simple shortcut, saving you precious prep time during busy holiday cooking.
• Dressing: Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the honey for more sweetness or apple cider vinegar for extra tang.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools to create this delightful holiday salad. These basic kitchen essentials will make prep a breeze.

• Large mixing bowl: For tossing all your salad ingredients together.
• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking the dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for emulsifying the dressing until smooth.
• Sharp knife: For segmenting oranges and mincing the shallot.
• Cutting board: A stable surface for all your chopping needs.
• Serving tongs: Ideal for gently tossing and serving the finished salad.

Instructions

Creating this festive Christmas salad is incredibly simple, even for beginners. Follow these easy steps to bring a burst of color and flavor to your table. You will have a stunning holiday side dish ready in no time.

1. Prepare the Salad Components: First, carefully segment your oranges. To do this, slice off the top and bottom of each orange. Stand the orange upright, then carefully slice downwards, following the curve of the fruit to remove all the peel and white pith. Once peeled, hold the orange over a bowl to catch any juice. Slice along the membranes to release each segment, letting them fall into the bowl. Next, prepare your pomegranate seeds. If using a fresh pomegranate, score around its circumference and gently break it open. Submerge the halves in water and separate the seeds from the white membrane, which will float. Discard the membrane, then drain the seeds. Roughly chop the candied pecans into smaller pieces if they are too large. Crumble the feta cheese if you are using a block.
2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, gently place the seven cups of mixed spring greens. Carefully add the prepared orange segments, ensuring you leave behind any excess juice. Sprinkle in the bright pomegranate seeds, the crumbled feta cheese, and the chopped candied pecans. Arrange them appealingly for a beautiful visual before tossing. This step creates the foundation for your delightful Christmas salad.
3. Prepare Dressing Ingredients: Begin by finely mincing the shallot. The finer you mince it, the better it will blend into the dressing. Place the minced shallot into your small mixing bowl. Measure and add the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar to the same bowl.
4. Whisk the Dressing: Using your whisk, vigorously combine all the dressing ingredients in the small bowl. Whisk for at least 30-60 seconds until the mixture is well-emulsified and appears smooth and slightly thickened. The honey and Dijon mustard help create this creamy consistency. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, whisking again to incorporate.
5. Dress and Serve: Just before you are ready to serve, drizzle a desired amount of the prepared dressing over the mixed greens and other salad components in the large bowl. It’s best to start with less dressing and add more if needed, as you may not use all of it. Using serving tongs, gently toss the salad mixture until all the greens and festive ingredients are lightly and evenly coated. Serve your delicious Christmas salad immediately to ensure the best texture and crispness. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this holiday favorite!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Make your holiday prep even smoother with these expert tips for your festive Christmas salad. A little planning goes a long way.

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the homemade dressing up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whisk it well again before serving.
• Fruit Prep: Segment your oranges and seed your pomegranates a day before serving. Keep them in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
• Soggy Salad: To prevent a soggy Christmas salad, always dress it just before serving. The acid in the dressing can soften delicate greens quickly.
• Feta Quality: Using a good quality block of feta cheese and crumbling it yourself offers a superior, creamier texture and richer flavor compared to pre-crumbled varieties.
• Dressing Consistency: Ensure you whisk the dressing vigorously until it’s fully emulsified. This creates a smooth, cohesive dressing that coats the salad beautifully.
• Nut Texture: Candied pecans provide an amazing sweet crunch that truly enhances the salad. If you opt for plain nuts, lightly toast them for added depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Christmas salad adapts beautifully to various meals and preferences. It’s a fantastic addition to any holiday table.

Serving Suggestions

• This salad makes a perfect complement to rich holiday roasts like turkey, ham, or prime rib.
• Its bright freshness perfectly cuts through the richness of heavier festive dishes and casseroles.
• For a lighter meal, serve the Christmas salad alongside grilled chicken or fish.
• It’s an excellent choice for holiday potlucks and family gatherings, always impressing guests.

Storage Instructions

• Always store any leftover dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Keep undressed salad components, such as greens, prepped fruit, and cheese, in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• This salad is best consumed fresh, immediately after dressing. Leftovers that have been dressed may soften and lose their crisp texture.

Variations

• Fruits: Experiment by swapping oranges for crisp apple slices, elegant pear segments, or even thinly sliced persimmons for a different seasonal twist.
• Nuts: Instead of pecans, try toasted slivered almonds, crunchy walnuts, or even glazed cashews for varied textures and flavors.
• Cheese: Goat cheese offers a tangy creaminess, blue cheese adds a pungent kick, or shaved Parmesan provides a savory, umami note.
• Add-ins: Enhance your Christmas salad with thinly sliced red onion for a bite, creamy avocado for richness, or additional dried cranberries for extra sweetness.

Nutrition Information

This festive Christmas salad offers a wonderful balance of fresh ingredients, providing both flavor and essential nutrients. Enjoy this delightful side dish as part of your balanced holiday meal.

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients and serving size provided. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and exact portion sizes. This information is intended for general guidance and not a substitute for professional nutrition advice.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Have questions about this easy and delicious Christmas salad? Sweet Emily is here to help!

• Can I make this Christmas salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prep components like the dressing, segmented oranges, and pomegranate seeds a day or two in advance. Store them separately and combine just before serving to maintain freshness.
• What kind of oranges work best? Mandarin oranges, clementines, or tangerines are ideal for their sweetness and easy segmentation. Fresh naval oranges also work wonderfully, just ensure you remove all pith.
• Can I substitute other ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the nuts, cheese, or even the type of fruit to customize your salad. Refer to the “Variations” section for specific ideas.
• How do I prevent my salad from getting soggy? The key is to dress your salad immediately before you plan to serve it. This prevents the greens from wilting under the dressing’s acidity.
• Are candied pecans essential for this recipe? While not strictly essential, candied pecans add a unique sweet and crunchy texture that truly enhances this festive salad. You can use plain toasted pecans if you prefer a less sweet option.

Conclusion

This easy and festive Christmas salad is truly a holiday winner. It brings together vibrant colors, delightful textures, and a refreshing burst of flavor, making it the perfect side dish for any celebration. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy this simple yet elegant recipe. Sweet Emily encourages you to try this delicious Christmas salad and share your festive creations with us! Leave a comment below or rate the recipe; we love hearing from you!

Easy & Festive Christmas Salad Recipe

A vibrant and easy-to-make Christmas salad featuring mixed greens, oranges, pomegranate seeds, feta, and candied pecans, all tossed in a homemade honey-Dijon vinaigrette.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Salad Ingredients

• 7 cups mixed spring greens
• 1 1/4 cups orange segments mandarin oranges, clementines or tangerines
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds can substitute dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
• 1/2 cup candied pecans roughly chopped

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon shallot minced
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• large bowl
• small bowl
• whisk

Method

 

Salad Assembly

1. Combine mixed greens, oranges, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and pecans in a large bowl.

Dressing Preparation

1. Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.

Final Toss and Serve

1. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat, and serve immediately.

Notes

This vibrant Christmas salad is perfect for a festive gathering, offering a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Remember to adjust the amount of dressing to your personal taste; you might have some left over. For an extra touch, toast the pecans lightly before candying them, or substitute with dried cranberries if pomegranate seeds are unavailable.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com