This vibrant Christmas Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It’s healthy, fresh, and a perfect festive addition to your holiday table. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, making it ideal for gatherings and family meals.
Table of Contents
How to Make Christmas Salad
Ingredients for Christmas Salad
Start with 7 cups of mixed spring greens, which offer a crispy base. Add 1 1/4 cups of orange segments—mandarin oranges, clementines, or tangerines—for a juicy pop of sweetness. Incorporate 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds for a delightful crunch that can also be substituted with dried cranberries if preferred. Next, include 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, providing a creamy saltiness, and 1/2 cup of roughly chopped candied pecans for a sweet and nutty finish. For the dressing, gather 1/3 cup of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of minced shallot. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and pecans. This colorful mixture will brighten your holiday table. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth, creating a flavorful blend. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture according to taste and gently toss to combine, ensuring every bite is coated with that zesty goodness. Some dressing may remain, so serve immediately to keep the greens crisp.
Tips for the Perfect Salad
Choosing the Right Ingredients
For the best texture and flavor, always opt for fresh oranges over canned ones. Crumbling feta from a block is preferable for richer taste compared to pre-crumbled options. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-packaged pomegranate seeds and pre-washed greens to speed up your preparation.
Preparing Ahead of Time
This salad can be made in advance, with the dressing lasting up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Also, you can prepare the oranges and pomegranates a day before serving to save time during your holiday preparations.
Flavor Variations for Christmas Salad
Fruit Substitutions
If you want to mix things up, consider using apples, pears, or persimmons instead of oranges. Each fruit brings its unique sweetness and texture to the salad.
Nut and Cheese Options
Feel free to substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a different crunch. For cheese, options like blue cheese, shaved parmesan, ricotta salata, or mozzarella balls can elevate the flavor profile.
Additional Ingredients to Enhance Flavor
You can add shaved fennel, red onions, avocado, or even dried cranberries for more layers of taste and color. Each ingredient brings something special to this festive dish, ensuring it’s a hit at your holiday gatherings!
More Salad Recipes You’ll Enjoy
FAQs
Can I make Christmas salad ahead of time, and how far in advance?
Yes, you can make the Christmas salad ahead of time. The salad dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The oranges and pomegranates can also be prepped a day before.
How can I keep salad from getting soft or lettuce from wilting before serving?
To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately and don’t toss it with the greens until just before serving. Using fresh ingredients will also help maintain crispness.
Which seasonal ingredients, red and green, are best for a festive Christmas salad?
Seasonal ingredients that work well include pomegranate seeds for red, mixed greens, and even red onions for a bit of color. Experiment with other winter fruits to enhance the festive look.
Can I adapt this recipe to be vegetarian, vegan, or nut-free?
Yes, the salad can easily be adapted. For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative. To make it nut-free, simply leave out the pecans or substitute with seeds.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
This Christmas Salad is sure to become a staple at your holiday gatherings! You can explore more delightful recipes on our Pinterest page, where you’ll find inspiration for your festive feasts. Enjoy this colorful salad and make your holiday season even brighter!
Delicious Christmas Salad Recipe for the Holidays
Ingredients
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 ¼ cups orange segments (mandarin oranges, clementines, or tangerines)
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds (can substitute with dried cranberries)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup roughly chopped candied pecans
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and pecans.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture according to taste and gently toss to combine. Some dressing may remain. Serve immediately.
Notes
– Crumbling feta from a block is recommended for better flavor compared to pre-crumbled options.
– Candied pecans can be purchased or made at home.
– Pre-packaged pomegranate seeds and pre-washed greens can save preparation time.
– The salad dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The oranges and pomegranates can be prepared a day before serving.