If you’re searching for a show-stopping, vibrant, and irresistibly fresh holiday side, look no further than this Christmas Salad. Bursting with jewel-toned pomegranate seeds, crunchy toasted nuts, tangy feta, and a drizzle of honey-balsamic dressing, this salad is a celebration of flavor and color. It’s the kind of dish that gets everyone talking at the table, whether you’re serving it alongside a grand roast or letting it shine as a light festive main. Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes—so you get maximum cheer with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Salad is proof that simple ingredients can work magic together! Every item on this list adds essential flavor, texture, or a pop of festive color, making each bite a delightful experience. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- Mixed salad greens: The foundation of the salad, offering a fresh, crisp base for all the other flavors.
- Cherry tomatoes (halved): Sweet and juicy—these little gems add both freshness and a festive red hue.
- Cucumber (sliced): Brings a cool crunch that balances the richness of the cheese and nuts.
- Red bell pepper (diced): Adds sweetness, a satisfying bite, and a splash of color.
- Pomegranate seeds: The sparkling ruby accent—tangy, juicy, and oh-so-pretty for holiday tables.
- Feta cheese (crumbled): Offers a creamy, salty punch that pairs beautifully with sweet and tart components.
- Red onion (thinly sliced): A subtle sharpness that livens up every forkful.
- Pecans or walnuts (toasted): Toasting brings out their buttery flavor and adds irresistible crunch.
- Dried cranberries: Chewy, sweet, and slightly tart—perfect for layering in holiday flavor.
- Olive oil: The base of your dressing; opt for extra-virgin for the best flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar: Deep, mellow tang that gives the dressing its signature zing.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
- Dijon mustard: Adds gentle heat and helps emulsify the dressing for a silky finish.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- Black pepper: A subtle bite to round out the dressing.
How to Make Christmas Salad
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by grabbing your largest salad bowl—Christmas Salad deserves to be served with a bit of drama! Add the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, thinly sliced red onion, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries. The more vibrant and varied the colors, the more festive the final result will look!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is smooth and emulsified. You’re aiming for a glossy, slightly thickened dressing that clings beautifully to every leaf and veggie.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Right before serving, pour the dressing evenly over the salad. Use salad tongs (or your clean hands!) to gently toss everything together, making sure every bite is coated in that luscious, tangy-sweet dressing. This step brings all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Step 4: Garnish for Extra Festivity
For that signature Christmas Salad sparkle, sprinkle a few extra pomegranate seeds and toasted nuts on top. This simple garnish adds a little wow factor and lets everyone know this is no ordinary salad—it’s a holiday treat!
How to Serve Christmas Salad
Garnishes
A handful of extra pomegranate seeds or a scattering of toasted pecans or walnuts right before serving makes this salad look even more festive. If you want to go all out, a few fresh mint leaves or crumbled feta on top will make your Christmas Salad look like it came straight from a gourmet magazine.
Side Dishes
Christmas Salad is fantastic alongside classic holiday mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib. It’s also delicious with vegetarian mains such as stuffed squash or a rich mushroom tart. The bright flavors and crisp textures cut through heavier dishes, giving your menu balance and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in clear glasses or small bowls so everyone gets a perfect layer of every ingredient. Or, make a Christmas Salad wreath by arranging the greens in a circle on a platter and piling the toppings to resemble holiday ornaments—guaranteed to wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Christmas Salad left at the end of your feast, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the fresh greens and juicy toppings, it’s best enjoyed within a day—after that, the greens can start to wilt. If you plan on having leftovers, keep the dressing separate and toss just before eating for the best texture.
Freezing
Unfortunately, Christmas Salad doesn’t freeze well. The fresh veggies and greens lose their crispness, and the dressing can separate after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh, but you can make the dressing ahead and freeze that in a pinch—just give it a good shake or whisk before using.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If the salad has been in the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes before enjoying so the flavors can shine and the dressing is at its silkiest.
FAQs
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese is a wonderful alternative, lending a creamy tang that’s just as delicious. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based feta or simply leave out the cheese—the salad will still be packed with flavor.
What can I use instead of pomegranate seeds?
If pomegranates aren’t available, you can swap in dried cherries, fresh red currants, or even segmented orange slices for that pop of tart, juicy flavor and holiday color.
Can I make Christmas Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients and store them separately—especially the dressing and garnishes. Just toss everything together right before serving to keep the greens crisp and vibrant.
How do I toast the nuts?
Simply spread your pecans or walnuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and golden. Let them cool before adding to the salad for maximum crunch.
Is Christmas Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions at your holiday gathering.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the burst of color and flavor that Christmas Salad brings to the holiday table. It’s easy, festive, and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews from everyone who tries it. Give it a spot at your next celebration, and watch it become a new holiday tradition!
Print
Christmas Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and festive Christmas Salad combining fresh mixed greens, juicy pomegranate seeds, creamy feta cheese, and a sweet-tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect as a refreshing holiday side dish that brings color, texture, and seasonal flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, toasted pecans or walnuts, and dried cranberries. Gently toss them together to mix all the components evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified, ensuring the honey is fully dissolved.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the dressing without bruising the delicate greens.
- Garnish and Serve: Add a few extra pomegranate seeds or nuts on top as a garnish to enhance the festive appearance. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- This salad pairs beautifully with roasted meats during holiday meals.
- You can substitute goat cheese in place of feta for a milder flavor.
- Adding sliced pears or apples introduces a pleasant extra sweetness.
- To toast nuts, dry roast them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese and substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
