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christmas salad featured

Vibrant Christmas Salad with Orange and Pomegranate

A festive holiday salad featuring crisp greens, juicy citrus, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese and candied pecans with a tangy honey-dijon dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Green Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 7 cups mixed spring greens
  • 1 1/4 cups orange segments mandarin oranges, clementines or tangerines
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds can substitute dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/2 cup candied pecans roughly chopped
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon shallot minced
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large salad bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl as your base layer.
  2. Add the orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and candied pecans, distributing evenly throughout the salad.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad to taste, then gently toss to coat. You may have dressing left over.
  5. Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Make-ahead tip: Prepare all components separately and store in the refrigerator. Assemble and dress just before serving. The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
  • Storage: Dressed salad is best consumed immediately but can be stored for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, keep components separate in airtight containers - greens (3-4 days), citrus (2-3 days), pomegranate seeds (5 days), and dressing (1 week).
  • Variations: Try with goat cheese instead of feta, walnuts instead of pecans, or add avocado for creaminess. For a main dish, add grilled chicken or roasted turkey.