Name: Christmas Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, spring mix); 1 cup pomegranate arils; ¾ cup candied pecans (store-bought or homemade); ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled; ¼ red onion, thinly sliced; 1 large orange, zested and juiced (about ¼ cup juice); 2 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Celebrate the holidays with the most dazzling Christmas Salad Recipe ever! Imagine a bowl bursting with crisp greens, crunchy candied pecans, juicy pomegranate arils, and a vibrant citrus dressing-every bite is a fresh, festive explosion.

This salad is not only gorgeous but ridiculously easy to throw together in just 20 minutes. It's a crowd-pleaser that always steals the show at Christmas dinners, potlucks, and even New Year's brunch.

What makes it truly special is the blend of sweet, tart, and savory notes-plus a sprinkle of creamy feta that takes things over the top. This recipe is inspired by my family's Christmas Eve feasts, and it's become a must-have tradition year after year.

If you're looking for a holiday dish that's as stunning as it is delicious, you've found your new favorite!

Festive Christmas Salad featuring greens, pomegranate, and pecans

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Show-stopping presentation that brightens any holiday table
Incredibly easy and fast to prepare-even at the last minute
Amazing blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors
Customizable with your favorite greens, nuts, and cheese

Key Ingredients for Christmas Salad Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Mixed Greens

The fresh greens form the crisp, colorful base of this salad. I love using a mix of baby spinach, arugula, and spring lettuce for a balance of texture and flavor. Choose fresh, bright leaves that aren't wilted. If you want a heartier base, feel free to mix in kale or romaine.

Pomegranate Arils

Juicy, ruby-red pomegranate seeds add a pop of festive color and an irresistible sweet-tart burst in every bite. For simplicity, you can buy just the arils, or cut and deseed a fresh pomegranate. If pomegranate isn't available, dried cranberries or cherries are a tasty substitute.

Candied Pecans

These add crunch and a delightful, caramelized sweetness. You can buy them or quickly make your own by toasting pecans with a touch of sugar and butter. Toasted regular pecans, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds work if you need a nut-free option.

Feta Cheese

Feta brings creamy, tangy richness that balances the fruit and greens. Buy block feta and crumble it yourself for best texture. If you prefer, goat cheese or even bleu cheese are delicious alternatives.

Citrus Honey Dressing

A zesty combination of orange juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and extra-virgin olive oil ties the salad together. Fresh orange juice is ideal, but bottled works in a pinch. For a vegan twist, swap honey for maple syrup.

Instructions for Christmas Salad Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Greens

Wash and thoroughly dry your mixed greens. Tear any larger leaves into bite-sized pieces for easier tossing and serving.

Make the Citrus Honey Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed-the balance should be bright and tangy with a touch of sweetness.

Slice the Onion and Crumble the Cheese

Thinly slice the red onion and crumble the feta into small, creamy chunks. Slicing the onion thin keeps its flavor from overpowering the salad.

Assemble the Salad

Add the greens to a large salad bowl. Top with pomegranate arils, candied pecans, red onion slices, and crumbled feta. Gently toss to distribute toppings evenly.

Dress and Serve

Drizzle the citrus honey dressing over the salad when ready to serve. Toss lightly so everything gets coated, then serve immediately for maximum freshness.

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegan

Simply substitute the feta cheese with your favorite plant-based feta, or skip it entirely. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing to keep the sweet balance.

Switch Up the Nuts

No pecans on hand? Use toasted walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch and nutty flavor. For an allergy-friendly version, try crisp roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds.

Add More Fruit

Enhance the salad with sliced apples, pears, or dried cranberries for even more festive sweetness and texture.

Try a Different Cheese

Feta is classic, but creamy goat cheese or even sharp blue cheese make wonderful swaps. Play with what you love!

Gluten-Free Guarantee

This salad is naturally gluten-free-just be sure your candied nuts haven't been mixed with any wheat-based ingredients if you're serving gluten-sensitive guests.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant Christmas Salad pairs beautifully with classic holiday mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib. For a gorgeous presentation, garnish with extra pomegranate seeds and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or mint. Serve alongside soft dinner rolls or a rustic sourdough loaf for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a separate jar and add before serving to keep the greens crisp. The salad does not freeze well. If already dressed, consume within 1 day for best texture-toss again before serving. No reheating needed!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Salad Recipe (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Prep all ingredients and dressing up to a day ahead. Assemble and dress just before serving to ensure the greens stay crisp.

Q: What can I use instead of pomegranate arils?

A: Try dried cranberries, dried cherries, or even fresh orange segments for a similar sweet-tart burst.

Q: How can I make my own candied pecans quickly?

A: Toast pecans in a skillet with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon butter over low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until caramelized. Let cool before using.

We hope this Christmas Salad Recipe brings festive cheer and delicious flavors to your holiday table! If you try it, let us know in the comments below-your feedback and ratings make our foodie hearts extra merry. Happy holidays and happy cooking!