If you’re looking for a vibrant, refreshing salad to add some color and freshness to your holiday table, this Christmas Salad is the perfect choice. It combines seasonal ingredients like crisp greens, sweet fruits, and crunchy nuts, all drizzled with a light, tangy dressing. The bright red and green colors make this salad not only delicious but also visually stunning—perfect for adding some festive cheer to your meal!
What makes this Christmas Salad so special is its balance of textures and flavors. The fresh greens create a light, crunchy base, while the juicy pomegranate seeds and orange slices add sweetness and tartness. The candied pecans bring a satisfying crunch, and the tangy vinaigrette ties everything together with a burst of flavor. Whether you serve it as a side dish to a holiday feast or as a light appetizer, this salad will be the star of your table!
I first made this Christmas Salad when I was looking for a refreshing dish to complement a hearty holiday meal. The combination of fruit, nuts, and greens seemed perfect for the season, and it quickly became a favorite. The bright colors and fresh flavors are a wonderful contrast to heavier holiday dishes, and it’s always a hit with guests. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for added convenience.
Why This Christmas Salad Will Be Your New Favorite Holiday Dish
- Festive and colorful: The bright red pomegranate seeds, green spinach, and orange slices make this salad beautiful and perfect for the holidays.
- Fresh and light: It’s a refreshing, light dish that balances the richness of holiday meals.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this salad comes together quickly and easily.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in season.
How to Make Christmas Salad
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Add the dried thyme or fresh herbs if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, sliced almonds (or candied pecans), orange segments, cucumber, and red onion (if using).
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top (if using) for an extra layer of flavor and serve immediately. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this holiday salad!
Tips
- If you want to make this salad ahead of time, prep the ingredients and store them separately. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving.
- You can substitute the pomegranate seeds with fresh cranberries or apple slices for a different twist.
- To make this salad more substantial, add grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted vegetables.
- Use a mix of greens to add texture—try adding baby arugula, mesclun, or frisée for a more complex flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegan: Skip the feta cheese for a completely dairy-free version of this salad.
- Nuts: If you have nut allergies, you can replace the almonds or pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
- Dried Fruit: For a different flavor, you can substitute the pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries or raisins.
- Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Make a Healthier Version
- Low-Carb: If you’re following a low-carb diet, skip the honey in the dressing and use a low-carb sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
- Low-Fat: Use a light vinaigrette or skip the cheese to make this salad even lighter.
- More Protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted quinoa to increase the protein content of the salad.
And there you have it! This Christmas Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and delicious addition to your holiday spread. With its colorful ingredients and balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite. Don’t forget to let us know how your salad turns out, and be sure to check out some of our other festive recipes for more holiday inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Toss with dressing and garnish just before serving. - Can I use a different type of dressing?
Yes! You can use a simple vinaigrette or an orange-balsamic dressing for a different twist. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but it’s best to eat it within a day or two, as the greens will wilt. - Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the dressing ingredients are also gluten-free if needed. - Can I make this salad without feta cheese?
Yes, you can skip the feta or replace it with goat cheese or another cheese of your choice. - How do I make the salad sweeter?
Add a drizzle of honey to the dressing or toss in some sliced apples or pears for a naturally sweeter flavor.
Christmas Salad Recipe
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the salad:
5 cups 5 mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or baby kale)
1/2 cup 1/2 pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup 1/2 sliced almonds (or candied pecans for extra sweetness)
1 1 orange, peeled and sliced into segments
1/2 cup 1/2 crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1/2 cup 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/4 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the dressing:
2 tbsp 2 olive oil
1 tbsp 1 balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp 1 honey or maple syrup
1 tsp 1 Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp 1/2 dried thyme or fresh chopped herbs (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Add the dried thyme or fresh herbs if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, sliced almonds (or candied pecans), orange segments, cucumber, and red onion (if using).
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top (if using) for an extra layer of flavor and serve immediately. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this holiday salad!
Follow US on Pinterest
Follow @middleeastsector on Pinterest