Christmas Salad

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A bright, festive mix of colors and textures, this Christmas Salad brings a burst of freshness to your holiday table. Juicy mandarin oranges, ruby red pomegranate seeds, and creamy feta cheese nestle beautifully into a bed of crisp mixed greens. Add in some toasted pecans for crunch, and you’ve got a salad that looks like it was made for the season — and tastes even better.

Not only does this salad offer a visual pop, but it also balances flavors effortlessly — sweet, tangy, creamy, and nutty all in one bite. Whether you’re planning a large holiday gathering or looking to elevate your Christmas dinner menu with something light and flavorful, this vibrant salad is a showstopper that complements hearty main dishes without being overly filling.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Salad

This salad checks every box — it’s healthy, beautiful, easy to make, and full of seasonal flavors. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and comes together in just minutes. The citrus and pomegranate add a fresh twist, while the creamy feta and toasted pecans give it satisfying richness and crunch. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for those who claim they’re “not into salads.”

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

You don’t need much to make this salad, but having the right tools makes prep quick and clean. A large salad bowl is essential for tossing all the ingredients evenly without spillage. A sharp knife and cutting board are key for slicing any add-ons like onions or apples, if you decide to customize. A small skillet is useful for toasting pecans — this enhances their flavor significantly. Lastly, a citrus juicer is handy if you’re making a homemade dressing.

Preparation Tips

Use fresh greens — a mix of baby spinach, arugula, and spring mix adds variety in flavor and texture. Be sure to drain the mandarin oranges well if using canned, or use fresh segments for an extra pop. Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat; just a few minutes will bring out their flavor. When assembling, layer the greens first, then scatter the toppings evenly — this way every serving looks just as stunning as the first. If you’re prepping ahead, store each component separately and assemble just before serving to keep everything crisp.

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Ingredients for this Christmas Salad

• 6 cups mixed salad greens (spring mix, arugula, or spinach)
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or drained if canned)
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Optional for Dressing (or use your favorite vinaigrette):

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Step 1: Prepare the Greens

Wash and dry your salad greens thoroughly. You want them crisp and free from excess moisture so the dressing sticks nicely. Place the greens into a large salad bowl as your base.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

In a small dry skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool before adding to the salad. This step enhances their flavor and crunch.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste. If making ahead, store the dressing in the fridge and shake well before using.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Layer the mandarin orange segments and pomegranate seeds evenly over the bed of greens. Follow with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all ingredients, making sure the dressing lightly coats everything. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

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Notes

This Christmas Salad is extremely versatile. You can swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese depending on your preference. If you want a sweeter bite, candied pecans or even walnuts make a great substitute. The salad can be prepped a few hours ahead of time—just be sure to keep the dressing separate until right before serving to prevent soggy greens. Also, you can add protein like grilled chicken or roasted turkey to turn it into a light main dish.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not drying the greens thoroughly: Wet greens can make the salad soggy and dilute the dressing.
• Over-toasting the pecans: They can burn quickly. Keep an eye on them and stir often.
• Adding the dressing too early: Always wait until just before serving to toss the salad, or the greens will wilt.
• Overcrowding the salad with toppings: Balance is key. Too much of any one ingredient can overpower the others.
• Skipping the seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors, even in a salad.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate in a small jar. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately, but you can refrigerate it for a few hours if needed. For meal prep, portion out the greens and toppings into containers and add the dressing just before eating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (Based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugars: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 230mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned?

Yes! Fresh mandarins offer more vibrant flavor and better texture. Just make sure to peel and segment them cleanly.

What can I substitute for pomegranate seeds?

Dried cranberries, chopped apples, or even red grapes work well as a substitute.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep all ingredients ahead and store them separately. Assemble and toss with dressing just before serving.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to feta?

Yes, you can use a plant-based feta or omit the cheese altogether. Avocado also adds creaminess.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?

Absolutely. A light vinaigrette or citrus-based dressing pairs wonderfully with this salad.

What proteins go well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, turkey, or even seared salmon are excellent choices to turn this into a more filling meal.

How do I toast the pecans perfectly?

Use a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3–5 minutes until they smell fragrant.

What type of greens work best?

A mix of spring greens, arugula, and baby spinach provides great color and texture. Feel free to experiment.

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Conclusion

This Christmas Salad is a joyful addition to any festive spread. Its bold colors and fresh flavors offer a welcome contrast to traditional heavy holiday fare. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and beautiful on any table — it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and has everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or bringing a dish to share, this salad is a bright holiday winner.

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