If you’re searching for a showstopping dish that’s vibrant, packed with flavor, and almost too pretty to eat, look no further than this Christmas Salad. Each forkful is a celebration of color and taste: juicy pomegranate seeds, sweet mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, and tangy feta all nestled on a bed of crisp greens. With a zippy balsamic dressing tying everything together, it’s the kind of salad that draws a crowd and brightens up any holiday table—while still being delightfully easy to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference, especially when each one brings its own sparkle to the bowl. This list is refreshingly simple, and every item is there for a reason—from adding crunch and tang to lending festive hues.
- Mixed greens (6 cups): Use a combination of arugula, spinach, and romaine for a mix of flavors and textures that forms the freshest canvas for everything else.
- Pomegranate seeds (1 cup): These add joyful pops of color and a sweet-tart burst in every bite—plus, they’re a real conversation starter!
- Mandarin orange segments (1 cup): Choose fresh for an unmatched juiciness, but canned (well-drained) works great in a pinch for that signature sweet zing.
- Sliced almonds, toasted (1/2 cup): A quick toasting in a dry skillet makes all the difference, infusing each bite with warm nuttiness and crunch.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/3 cup): Creamy and tangy, feta is the perfect counterpoint to the sweet fruit and nuts, but feel free to swap in goat cheese if you prefer.
- Red onion, thinly sliced (1/4 small): A little goes a long way to add sharpness and subtle bite—so slice it paper-thin for the best texture.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): The foundation for your dressing, providing silky richness that brings all the flavors together.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): Its deep, sweet acidity brings a pleasant zing that balances the salad’s sweeter notes.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Just a spoonful adds a touch of natural sweetness, softening the vinaigrette and echoing the fruit in the salad.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): This little bit of sharpness pulls everything into focus, making the flavors sing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out and deepening all the fresh, lively elements in the bowl.
How to Make Christmas Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Produce
Wash and thoroughly dry your mixed greens so they stay crisp and vibrant. If you’re using fresh mandarins, peel and separate them neatly into segments. Gently loosen the seeds from your pomegranate (it’s a bit messy, but totally worth the jewel-like results), and thinly slice your red onion—a mandoline or sharp knife works best!
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
Pop the sliced almonds into a dry skillet over medium heat, keeping a close eye (they can burn fast!). Stir or shake them often until golden and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. This quick step unlocks a deeper nuttiness and takes the flavor to new heights.
Step 3: Assemble the Christmas Salad
In a generous salad bowl, layer your greens first, then scatter on the pomegranate seeds, mandarin orange segments, toasted almonds, crumbled feta, and those pretty slivers of red onion. Take a moment to admire how festive it already looks—it’s practically a centerpiece!
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Give it a good whisk or shake until the mixture is emulsified and glossy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you’d like—a little extra honey or vinegar to balance it out just right.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Right before serving, pour the dressing over your salad and use clean hands or salad tongs to toss gently. The idea is to coat every leaf lightly without bruising the tender greens. Serve immediately so your Christmas Salad is its absolute freshest and most inviting.
How to Serve Christmas Salad
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, sprinkle a few more pomegranate seeds and extra crumbled feta on top. If you want even more pizzazz, add a light sprinkle of extra toasted nuts or a tiny handful of microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look. A twist of freshly cracked black pepper makes the colors really pop!
Side Dishes
Christmas Salad is a wonderful partner for roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple vegetarian main course. Try it alongside freshly baked bread or a festive soup for a lighter holiday lunch. Its bright flavors and crisp textures are especially welcome between heartier, comforting dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable presentation, arrange the Christmas Salad on a big, white platter so the ingredients and holiday colors really stand out. Or, layer the salad components in clear glasses for individual servings—perfect for buffets or potlucks. You can even shape the salad into a wreath on a round platter for a playful, extra-festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, pop the salad into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep for about a day, though the greens are at their crispest when eaten fresh. If you know you’ll have extra, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving to extend the salad’s life.
Freezing
This is one salad that doesn’t freeze well, unfortunately—the fresh produce and leafy greens will lose their pep once thawed. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy your Christmas Salad fresh or within a day of assembling.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Christmas Salad. It’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature, letting the flavors shine just as they are. If your almonds or nuts have lost some crunch, a quick toast in the skillet before adding them to fresh leftovers can bring them right back to life!
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Simply assemble all the ingredients (except for the dressing), cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and store in the fridge. Whisk the dressing separately, and toss everything together right before serving for a fresh, crisp result.
What can I use instead of pomegranate seeds?
Dried cranberries or chopped apples make great substitutes if you can’t find pomegranate seeds. Both bring their own sweet-tart pop and keep the festive vibe alive.
Is this salad allergy-friendly?
This Christmas Salad is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, but do check your labels if serving guests with allergies. Swap almonds for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if you need a nut-free version.
Can I add a protein to make it a main dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shredded roasted turkey, or even chickpeas work beautifully if you want to turn this festive side into a hearty meal. Just add your protein of choice on top or mix it right in.
How do I quickly remove pomegranate seeds?
Cut the pomegranate in half, hold it over a bowl, and tap the back with a wooden spoon—they’ll rain out with a little persuasion! Or sub in pre-seeded pomegranate arils from the store for a shortcut.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring both beauty and bold flavor to your holiday table, this Christmas Salad is an absolute gem. It’s easy to prepare, impossible to resist, and sure to become a new tradition everyone will look forward to year after year. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly it disappears!
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Christmas Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Christmas Salad is a festive and colorful addition to your holiday table. Packed with mixed greens, juicy pomegranate seeds, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, tangy feta cheese, and a flavorful balsamic dressing, it’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Mixed Greens:
6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
Pomegranate Seeds:
1 cup
Mandarin Orange Segments:
1 cup (fresh or canned and drained)
Toasted Almonds:
1/2 cup sliced, toasted
Feta Cheese:
1/3 cup crumbled
Red Onion:
1/4 small, thinly sliced
Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
1/4 cup
Balsamic Vinegar:
2 tablespoons
Honey:
1 tablespoon
Dijon Mustard:
1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper:
To taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, mandarin oranges, almonds, feta cheese, and red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a jar, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Pour dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use goat cheese instead of feta and pecans or walnuts instead of almonds.
- Add grilled chicken or roasted turkey for a heartier meal.
- This salad is perfect for holiday gatherings and can be prepped ahead. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
