The kitchen smelled like cinnamon and roasted turkey, but what caught everyone’s eye on the table was the bright, jewel-toned Christmas salad. Between all the rich, cozy dishes, this bowl of greens brought a refreshing pop—like snowflakes hitting a pine wreath. Light, crunchy, sweet, and tangy—every bite felt like winter cheer.
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Christmas Salad Recipe
This Christmas Salad Recipe is a true showstopper on your holiday table. It’s packed with festive ingredients like juicy orange segments, ruby-red pomegranate seeds, creamy feta, and sweet candied pecans. Tossed in a homemade honey-Dijon dressing, it’s a refreshing, vibrant contrast to heavier holiday mains. Serve it with savory and juicy Christmas prime rib or as a bright side next to baked cranberry brie bites for a full festive spread.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Salad
This salad is as easy as it is beautiful. You’ll love how quick it comes together, especially when you’re juggling a dozen other dishes.
The flavor is light but satisfying. The oranges and pomegranate bring brightness. Feta adds creamy saltiness. Pecans give it a little crunch and sweet warmth.
It also looks gorgeous. It’s one of those salads that makes people pause before digging in. And the best part? You can easily adapt it. Want to use apples instead of oranges? Go for it. Don’t like feta? Try shaved parmesan or mozzarella.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarins, clementines, or tangerines)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries if needed)
- 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
How to Make Christmas Salad
- Add the greens, fruit, cheese, and nuts to a large salad bowl.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, mustard, vinegar, shallot, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly creamy.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Gently toss to coat everything. Serve immediately.
This salad serves 4 to 6, depending on how much else is on the table.
Tips for the Best Flavor & Texture
- Use fresh orange segments instead of canned. The texture and flavor are worth the extra minute of prep.
- Crumble a block of feta instead of buying it pre-crumbled. The taste is richer and fresher.
- Pre-washed greens save you time and mess.
- Buy pre-seeded pomegranate if you’re in a rush. It’s a little more expensive but incredibly convenient during the holidays.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can make parts of this Christmas Salad Recipe in advance to save time:
- Whisk the dressing and keep it in the fridge up to 3 days ahead.
- Peel and segment the oranges, and prep the pomegranate seeds up to 1 day ahead.
- Keep all ingredients separate and assemble just before serving so the greens stay crisp.
Flavor Variations
Fruit Swaps
Try slices of apples, pears, or even persimmons instead of citrus.
Nut Options
Go for toasted almonds, walnuts, or cashews. You can even use raw ones if you prefer less sweetness.
Cheese Choices
Swap feta with blue cheese, shaved parmesan, or mozzarella balls for a new flavor profile.
Add-ins
Make it more interesting with shaved fennel, thinly sliced red onion, avocado, or dried cranberries for extra tang.
Christmas Salad Recipe Card
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Christmas Salad : A Colorful Holiday Favorite
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive salad with greens, citrus, pomegranate, feta, and candied pecans tossed in a sweet honey-Dijon dressing. Perfect for Christmas dinner.
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
Instructions
1. Add salad ingredients to a large bowl.
2. Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad to taste.
4. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh orange segments for the best flavor and texture.
Crumble feta from a block for better taste.
Buy pre-washed greens and pre-seeded pomegranate to save time.
Dressing can be made 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Christmas Dinner Ideas
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 193mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 11mg
More Such Recipes
If you love this Christmas Salad, pair it with a creamy, tangy street corn pasta salad side dish or finish your meal with festive layers of Christmas trifle for dessert.
FAQ
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes. Simply omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
How do I store leftovers?
Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate.
What protein can I add to make it a full meal?
Add grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas for added protein. These pair well with the sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Salad Recipe brings color, crunch, and freshness to your holiday table. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and always gets compliments.
Whether you’re serving it with Christmas prime rib or adding it to a vegetarian menu, it fits in beautifully. Save time by prepping ahead, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your fruit and cheese combos.
Want more holiday inspiration? Follow along on Pinterest or find us on Facebook for more festive favorites.