Christmas Salad

5 from 1 vote

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By: Jill Mills Posted: Dec 13, 2023

Christmas Salad is the perfect addition to your holiday spread! It’s sweet, crunchy, AND savory. This easy salad recipe is sure to please a crowd.

Green Christmas Salad

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with family and friends. It’s no secret that food brings people together. I love to make various dishes for Christmas dinner, to ensure everyone has something they enjoy. Incorporating veggies to pair alongside the comfort food adds balance without sacrificing flavor.

This fresh and light Christmas salad recipe is one of my go-to’s It’s simple, delicious, and I never have leftovers. The dressing adds an amazing taste, tangy and savory element paired with crispy fresh greens and juicy citrus. Feta cheese ties it all together with just the right amount of saltiness. 

What You’ll Need

Just 5 ingredients for the salad and 6 for the vinaigrette dressing –  so easy! Homemade dressings are easier to prepare than you think and this one is one of the simplest and tastiest that I have ever made. It’s tangy and sweet and goes great with the salad ingredients!

Salad

• Mixed Spring Greens: Any mixed greens work great. I love using mixes that include spinach, kale, or both!
• Mandarin Oranges
• Pomegranate Seeds
• Feta Cheese
• Candied Pecans and Cranberries: I found these in the produce section of my local Walmart store. Be sure to give them a rough chop before adding them to the salad.

Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

• Olive Oil: I love to use good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• Honey: Use any variety of honey you prefer for the perfect amount of sweetness. 
• Dijon Mustard
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper

How to Make Christmas Salad

From start to finish, this Christmas salad recipe will be ready for the table in just 10 minutes! It’s quick and easy – a fantastic addition to your holiday menu that requires almost no extra effort.

• Combine Salad Ingredients. Add mixed greens, mandarin slices, pomegranate seeds, fetta cheese, and candied pecans/cranberries to a large serving bowl.

• Make the Dressing. Whisk olive oil, honey, mustard, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl until well combined.
• Dress the Salad. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently before serving.
• Serve. Reserve any extra dressing to serve on the side and enjoy.

What to Serve With Christmas Salad

There are endless possibilities when it comes to what to pair in your holiday meal with this Christmas salad recipe. I love Christmas Ham because it’s one of our family traditions. However, you can choose whatever you like the best! Here are some more suggestions for other main courses and side dishes to prepare along with this salad.

• Proteins: Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast, Pork Roast
• Sides: Creamed Corn With Bacon, Mashed Potato Rolls
• Appetizers: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, Cranberry Brie Pinwheels
• Desserts: Christmas Poke Cake, Crockpot Christmas Candy

Tips and Variations

Here are some more Christmas salad ideas!

• Vinegar: Substitute balsamic vinegar if preferred.
• Pecans and Cranberries: Use regular pecans and dried cranberries if you can’t find the candied mix. You can also make homemade Candied Pecans. In a pinch you can substitute with walnuts or unsalted mixed nuts.
• Pomegranate: Not a fan of pomegranate arils? Omit them and use an additional ½ cup of candied pecans and cranberries.

How to Store Leftovers

If you find that you have extra Christmas salad, it may be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Use the leftovers within 24 hours.

More Salad Recipes

• Pomegranate Salad
• Watermelon Salad
• Fall Fruit Salad
• Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
• Classic Waldorf Salad

5 from 1 vote

Christmas Salad

Christmas Salad is the perfect addition to your holiday spread! It’s sweet, crunchy, AND savory. This recipe is sure to please a crowd.

Servings: 8 servings

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Total: 10 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• ▢ 11 oz. mixed spring greens
• ▢ 2 mandarins peeled and segmented
• ▢ ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ▢ ½ cup feta cheese
• ▢ ½ cup candied pecans w/cranberries roughly chopped

For dressing:

• ▢ ½ cup olive oil
• ▢ 2 tablespoon honey
• ▢ 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ▢ 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

• In a large bowl, place the greens, mandarins, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and chopped pecans/cranberries.
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper.
• Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving. Lightly toss with tongs. Serve any leftover dressing alongside for those who want heavier dressing.

Last Step:

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Notes

Apple cider vinegar can be substituted with balsamic vinegar.
Leftover overs shouldn’t be kept more than a day (if that) covered and refrigerated.
Pomegranate seeds can be omitted (some don’t like the seeds). Just add an additional ½ cup candied pecans and cranberries.
The candied pecans and cranberries were found in the salad topping department in Walmart.
Candied pecans/ cranberries can be substituted with a mix of regular pecans (or your own favorite recipe for candied pecans) and dried cranberries.

Nutrition

Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 333mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 3079IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 1mg

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