Christmas Salad is the kind of festive beauty that manages to steal the spotlight at any holiday table. It’s an irresistible blend of crisp greens, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, tangy feta cheese, and a sweet touch from candied nuts and dried cranberries — all bound together with a lively homemade balsamic dressing. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just adding sparkle to a weeknight dinner, this salad delivers bursts of color, flavor, and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Christmas Salad has a role to play, creating an orchestra of flavors and textures. Stick to this lineup for a festive, balanced result — and feel free to make small tweaks with whatever fresh produce or nuts you have on hand.
- Mixed greens (6 cups): A blend of arugula, baby spinach, and romaine provides crispness, color, and the perfect mild base for all the toppings.
- Pomegranate seeds (1 cup): These ruby gems add juicy bursts of sweetness and a gorgeous holiday sparkle.
- Feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup): Brings a creamy, tangy counterpoint that elevates every forkful.
- Candied pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup): For irresistible sweet crunch; store-bought or homemade both work.
- Sliced pears or apples (1/2 cup): Choose your favorite for a hint of freshness and natural sweetness.
- Red onion, thinly sliced (1/4 cup): Adds a mild bite and beautiful color contrast.
- Dried cranberries (1/4 cup): Chewy, sweet, and tart — they’re the perfect festive accent.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season and bring out all the flavors.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): The silky base for a luscious, homemade dressing.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): For deep, tangy-sweet notes in the vinaigrette.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the dressing.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Lends a little kick and helps the dressing emulsify.
How to Make Christmas Salad
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
Start by rinsing and gently drying your mixed greens — this keeps everything crisp and helps the dressing coat every leaf. If you’re using pears or apples, slice them just before assembling to keep them fresh and crisp. Scatter the pomegranate seeds, crumble the feta, and have your nuts, cranberries, and red onion ready to go.
Step 2: Layer the Salad
Grab your prettiest large salad bowl and pile in the mixed greens. Next, sprinkle over the pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, candied nuts, sliced fruit, red onion, and dried cranberries. For that extra pop of festive color, arrange some toppings on top just before serving, so guests instantly see all those holiday hues.
Step 3: Make the Balsamic Dressing
In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Shake or whisk until the dressing is fully emulsified and glossy.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle your luscious dressing over the Christmas Salad. Use salad tongs to gently toss, making sure every bite is wrapped in the sweet and tangy vinaigrette. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper if you like.
How to Serve Christmas Salad
Garnishes
A final scatter of extra pomegranate seeds and a few whole candied nuts right before serving really makes this salad look holiday-ready. If you want to up the drama, sprinkle a few bright herbs like parsley or even some orange zest for an aromatic touch that complements the festive flavors.
Side Dishes
Christmas Salad shines beside classic mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or a cozy vegetarian wellington. Its crisp freshness is also a perfect foil for heartier side dishes such as baked gratins, mashed potatoes, or stuffing — every forkful is a palate cleanser between rich bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual salad cups or small bowls make Christmas Salad feel elegant and effortless, perfect for passed appetizers or a plated first course. Or, for a laid-back gathering, let everyone build their own salad by arranging the ingredients and dressing in pretty bowls, buffet-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Christmas Salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just keep in mind that once dressed, the greens will start to wilt after a few hours, so try to eat it the same day for best texture and crunch.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the delicate greens and juicy fruit won’t hold up well to thawing. However, you can freeze any extra candied nuts or pomegranate seeds for later use in other salads or desserts.
Reheating
Christmas Salad is all about freshness, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to serve it with a warm twist, add freshly roasted squash or warm, toasted nuts just before tossing to elevate the cozy factor.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all your ingredients a few hours in advance and store them separately. Assemble and toss with dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
What fruit substitutes work if I don’t have pomegranate seeds?
If you can’t find pomegranates, try using dried cherries or even fresh orange segments. Both will give you those tart, juicy bites that are so signature in Christmas Salad.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply swap out the feta for your favorite plant-based cheese or skip it altogether. Make sure your candied nuts don’t contain butter, and opt for maple syrup in the dressing for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly version.
What protein can I add to make this salad a main dish?
For a heartier meal, add sliced grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted butternut squash. Each of these blends beautifully with the sweet and tangy elements in Christmas Salad and will keep everyone satisfied.
Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering?
Definitely! Just multiply all the ingredients and prepare in a large serving bowl. This colorful salad is always a hit at potlucks and holiday parties, so making extra is always a good idea.
Final Thoughts
Bright, festive, and bursting with flavor, this Christmas Salad is more than just a side — it’s a dish that brings people together and brightens any table. Give it a try at your next gathering, and you’ll likely find it becoming a new holiday classic for years to come!
Print
Christmas Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Christmas Salad is a festive and colorful addition to any holiday table. Packed with a mix of greens, sweet pomegranate seeds, tangy feta cheese, crunchy nuts, and a flavorful dressing, it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Mixed Greens:
6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, baby spinach, and romaine)
Pomegranate Seeds:
1 cup
Feta Cheese:
1/2 cup crumbled
Candied Nuts:
1/2 cup (pecans or walnuts)
Sliced Pears or Apples:
1/2 cup
Red Onion:
1/4 cup thinly sliced
Dried Cranberries:
1/4 cup
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Dressing:
Olive Oil:
1/4 cup
Balsamic Vinegar:
2 tablespoons
Honey or Maple Syrup:
1 tablespoon
Dijon Mustard:
1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, candied nuts, sliced pears or apples, red onion, and dried cranberries.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the feta cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- Add grilled chicken or roasted butternut squash for a heartier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
