This Winter Salad Recipe combines crisp spring greens, juicy mandarin oranges, sweet-tart pomegranate seeds, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a simple honey Dijon vinaigrette. It’s a healthy winter salad that’s perfect for Christmas dinners, Thanksgiving gatherings, February celebrations, and even Grinch-themed holiday tables.
Table of Contents
Introduction
A Winter Salad Recipe is the perfect way to bring fresh flavor and vibrant color to your holiday table. While winter meals often focus on hearty comfort foods, a bright and refreshing salad balances rich dishes beautifully. This Winter Salad Recipe features seasonal favorites like pomegranate seeds and mandarin oranges, making it ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any cold-weather celebration. Whether you’re searching for easy winter salads, green salad ideas for Thanksgiving, or festive pomegranate salads, this recipe checks every box. It’s simple, quick, and packed with texture and flavor.
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Winter Salad Recipe with Pomegranate, Feta & Candied Pecans
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh winter salad recipe with spring greens, mandarin oranges, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and candied pecans tossed in honey Dijon dressing.
Ingredients
7 cups mixed spring greens
1 1/4 cups mandarin orange segments
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup candied pecans
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon minced shallot
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Place mixed greens in a large bowl.
2. Add mandarin oranges, pomegranate seeds, feta, and pecans.
3. Whisk olive oil, honey, Dijon, vinegar, shallot, salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently.
5. Serve immediately.
Notes
Store dressing separately if preparing ahead.
Add dressing just before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed spring greens | 7 cups | Fresh and crisp |
| Mandarin oranges (segments) | 1 1/4 cups | Clementines or tangerines work well |
| Pomegranate seeds | 1/2 cup | Substitute dried cranberries if needed |
| Feta cheese (crumbled) | 1/2 cup | Adds creamy, salty flavor |
| Candied pecans (chopped) | 1/2 cup | Provides crunch and sweetness |
Dressing Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1/3 cup | Base of dressing |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon | Natural sweetness |
| Dijon mustard | 2 teaspoons | Adds depth |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons | Bright acidity |
| Shallot (minced) | 1 tablespoon | Mild sharpness |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
How to Make This Healthy Winter Salad
- Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Place the mixed spring greens in a large serving bowl. Make sure the greens are dry to help the dressing coat evenly. - Step 2: Add the Fresh Ingredients
Layer the mandarin orange segments over the greens. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds evenly across the salad. Add crumbled feta cheese and chopped candied pecans. - Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and emulsified. - Step 4: Toss and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture to taste. Gently toss to combine without bruising the greens. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
Choose seasonal citrus for the best sweetness. Pat greens completely dry before assembling. Add dressing just before serving to prevent wilting. For cup salad ideas, portion the salad into clear cups for holiday parties. For a Grinch salad variation, add sliced kiwi and green apples for extra festive color.
Why This Winter Salad Recipe Works
This salad balances sweet, salty, tangy, and crunchy textures in every bite. The pomegranate seeds add brightness, while feta cheese provides creamy contrast. Candied pecans introduce crunch, and the honey Dijon dressing ties everything together. It’s light enough to complement heavy holiday dishes yet satisfying enough to stand alone as a healthy winter salad.
Conclusion
This Winter Salad Recipe is fresh, colorful, and perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re planning a Christmas dinner, searching for green salad ideas for Thanksgiving, or looking for February salad ideas, this recipe delivers beautiful presentation and balanced flavor. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a reliable addition to any winter table.
FAQ
Can I make this Winter Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the ingredients separately and store the dressing in a sealed container. Assemble and toss just before serving.
What can I substitute for pomegranate seeds?
Dried cranberries are a great alternative in this Winter Salad Recipe.
Is this Winter Salad Recipe healthy?
Yes. It contains fresh greens, fruit, healthy fats, and balanced ingredients, making it a healthy winter salad option.
Can I serve this as a Christmas salad?
Absolutely. The red pomegranate and green lettuce make it perfect for Christmas tables.