Christmas Salad Recipe

A colorful Christmas Salad bursts with citrusy brightness, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans. It’s light, refreshing, and ready in minutes — the perfect balance to rich holiday dishes.

Festive and Fresh Christmas Salad

This Christmas Salad adds sparkle to your table with vibrant greens, juicy oranges, ruby pomegranate seeds, and tangy feta. The mix of textures feels refreshing between bites of hearty roasts. Better yet, it’s simple to make and can be prepped in minutes. Each forkful offers sweet, savory, and nutty flavors that taste like the holidays. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, this salad’s festive colors make it a stunning addition.

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Salad

This salad stands out because it looks as joyful as it tastes. The crisp greens contrast beautifully with bright fruit and creamy cheese. The dressing, a quick whisk of olive oil, honey, and Dijon, ties everything together with a tangy touch. You’ll love how it balances heavier Christmas favorites like ham or turkey. Also, it’s versatile — swap fruits or nuts based on what you have. Best of all, it’s quick to assemble, leaving you more time for baking desserts like Christmas red velvet cheesecake.

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)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped candied pecans

Substitutions: try apples, pears, or persimmons instead of oranges, or use walnuts or almonds for a new twist.

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

Make the vinaigrette ahead and chill it for up to 3 days — the flavors get even better.

How to Make Christmas Salad Step-by-Step

First, combine your greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta, and candied pecans in a large bowl. Next, in a smaller bowl, whisk olive oil, honey, Dijon, vinegar, shallot, salt, and pepper until smooth. Then, drizzle a bit of dressing over the salad and toss gently. Add more dressing only if needed so the greens stay crisp. Serve it fresh to keep that perfect crunch. If you’re prepping early, keep the components separate until right before serving. This way, your salad stays vibrant and full of life, ready to brighten any Christmas spread.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Salad

Always choose fresh oranges for a juicy bite. Crumble your feta from a block — it tastes creamier than pre-packaged versions. You can also buy pre-seeded pomegranate cups to save time. Pre-washed greens make life easier, especially during holiday chaos. If your salad sits dressed too long, refresh it by adding a handful of new greens. Store leftover dressing in the fridge for up to three days, and shake it before using again. These little details keep your Christmas Salad tasting fresh and beautiful every time.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

You can easily prep this salad ahead for stress-free hosting. Make the dressing up to three days early and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge. Slice oranges and seed pomegranates a day in advance, then refrigerate them in airtight containers. Keep greens dry and unwashed until the day of serving. When ready, toss everything together right before mealtime. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to a day, though the texture is best right after mixing.

Christmas Salad Flavor Variations

This salad invites creativity. Swap oranges for sliced apples, crisp pears, or even ripe persimmons for a different sweetness. Use blue cheese, shaved parmesan, or mozzarella pearls instead of feta for a creamy or bold twist. Almonds or walnuts can replace pecans, adding different crunch and aroma. Want something extra festive? Add shaved fennel, red onions, avocado, or dried cranberries. These variations let you make your own signature version of Christmas Salad while keeping that same delicious balance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Christmas Salad as a bright starter before the main meal, or pair it with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or beef tenderloin. It also looks beautiful on a buffet table, especially when sprinkled with extra pomegranate seeds. For a colorful spread, serve it beside Cheesy Christmas tree bread or Frosted Christmas brownies. The colors pop against rich Christmas dishes and bring a fresh contrast to every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Recipes to Try

• Winter vegetable salad
• Roasted butternut squash salad
• Autumn harvest Honeycrisp apple and feta salad

Conclusion or Final Thoughts

This Christmas Salad captures the season’s joy in every bite. With its crisp greens, juicy fruit, and creamy feta, it feels light yet satisfying. It’s quick, colorful, and perfect for balancing rich holiday dishes. Once you try it, it might just become your annual tradition. For more festive inspiration, visit my Pinterest page at Cozy Recipes by Clara for stunning holiday ideas.

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