Christmas Salad Recipe
This Christmas Salad is the showstopper your holiday table has been waiting for—a vibrant, jewel-toned medley of fresh greens, juicy pomegranate seeds, crisp fruit, creamy feta, and candied nuts all finished with a sweet-tangy dressing. It strikes the perfect balance between festive and fresh, offering brightness and crunch with every bite. Whether you’re treating your loved ones to something special or just want to keep things simple, this salad captures the spirit of the season with every colorful forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look simple, but each one brings something essential to the Christmas Salad. From the bright sparkle of pomegranate to the creamy, salty touch of feta, this combo creates a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that’ll have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.
- Mixed greens (5 cups): The leafy base brings a fresh, tender bite, locking in that crisp winter garden feel.
- Pomegranate seeds (1 cup): Little ruby bursts of tart-sweet flavor, plus they make the whole salad glisten!
- Green grapes, halved (1 cup): Sweet and juicy with a pop of color, grapes add refreshing bites throughout.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup): Feta’s creamy tang balances the fruitiness and gives a touch of luxury.
- Candied pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup): These give crunch and that irresistible sweet-toasty finish.
- Thinly sliced red onion (1/4 cup): Gentle zing and pretty purple rings that wake up the salad (soak in cold water to mellow if desired).
- Ripe pear or apple, thinly sliced (1): Crisp, juicy, and just a bit sweet—choose your favorite for flair.
- Balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing (1/4 cup): Either brings a glossy, flavor-packed finishing note; go for your craving!
How to Make Christmas Salad
Step 1: Layer the Greens
Begin by spreading your washed and fully dried mixed greens evenly in a large salad bowl or on a decorative platter. This becomes the vibrant, fresh canvas for the rest of the Christmas Salad’s holiday jewels. Make sure to fluff the greens a bit so they look abundant and inviting!
Step 2: Add Your Fruits and Veggies
Scatter that magical cup of pomegranate seeds across the greens, letting them nestle into the leaves. Next, toss the halved grapes over the top—spacing them so every serving is sure to get a few. Artfully fan out the slices of pear or apple and sprinkle on the thin ribbons of red onion for a subtle zip.
Step 3: Sprinkle on Feta and Nuts
Generously crumble feta cheese over everything, making sure some lands atop the fruit for that classic salty-sweet combo. The candied pecans or walnuts follow, adding sparkle and crunch—try to spread them evenly so no one misses out!
Step 4: Dress and Toss (or Not!)
Right before you’re ready to serve, drizzle your chosen dressing lightly over the top. For guests who like to control their portions, serve the dressing on the side. Gently toss to combine, or leave the layers undisturbed for dramatic presentation. Either way, the Christmas Salad delivers both flavor and flare.
How to Serve Christmas Salad
Garnishes
The Christmas Salad loves a finishing touch! Try an extra handful of pomegranate seeds or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for added character. A sprinkle of fresh mint or basil ribbons gives a gentle aromatic lift. If you’re feeling extra festive, arrange a few thin pear or apple slices in a star shape on top.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs splendidly with classic holiday mains like roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, or a vegetarian nut loaf. It shines alongside herby roasted potatoes, warm rolls, or even a cozy winter soup. If you want it to be a more substantial main, top with roasted turkey or grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready feel, serve the Christmas Salad in individual clear glasses or small trifle bowls to showcase all its colorful layers. Or, use a wide platter for family-style dining, artfully arranging the components for impact. You can also skewer fruit, feta, and greens on toothpicks for elegant, bite-sized holiday salad appetizers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Christmas Salad after your celebration, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The greens will start to wilt once dressed, so if possible, only toss as much salad with dressing as you can enjoy immediately.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and crisp, so freezing is not recommended. The greens and juicy fruits lose their texture and appealing crunch when frozen and thawed. It’s best to savor Christmas Salad within a day or two of making it.
Reheating
Since Christmas Salad is a no-cook, chilled dish, reheating isn’t necessary. For the most appealing flavor and texture, simply let refrigerated leftovers come up to cool room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the Christmas Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chop and prepare all your salad components in advance, storing each in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
What’s the best substitute for pomegranate seeds?
If you can’t find pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries or even chopped strawberries offer a similar pop of color and sweet-tart flavor. They keep the holiday vibe and complement the rest of the ingredients beautifully.
Can I use a different cheese besides feta?
Definitely—crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese can fill in if feta isn’t your favorite. For a milder taste, try creamy fresh mozzarella pearls or even shaved parmesan.
Is the Christmas Salad gluten-free?
It is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure your candied nuts and dressing aren’t processed with any sneaky gluten-containing ingredients, and you’re all set for a celiac-friendly, festive side dish.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan Christmas Salad, simply skip the feta or replace it with a plant-based alternative. Double-check that your dressing is dairy-free, and you’ll have a completely vegan showpiece that all guests can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Salad truly deserves a place at your holiday feast—it’s bursting with color, flavor, and enough festive spirit to wow even the most traditional guests. Give it a try this season and see just how easy (and delicious) adding a fresh, bright note to your celebrations can be. Happy holidays and happy feasting!
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Christmas Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful Christmas salad that combines mixed greens with sweet pomegranate seeds, grapes, feta cheese, candied pecans, and a tangy dressing, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Mixed Greens:
5 cups mixed greens (spring mix or baby spinach)
Pomegranate Seeds:
1 cup
Green Grapes:
1 cup, halved
Feta Cheese:
1/2 cup, crumbled
Candied Pecans or Walnuts:
1/2 cup
Red Onion:
1/4 cup, thinly sliced
Ripe Pear or Apple:
1, thinly sliced
Dressing:
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing
Instructions
- Layer Greens: In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens as the base.
- Add Toppings: Top with pomegranate seeds, grapes, feta, pecans, red onion, and pear slices.
- Drizzle Dressing: Just before serving, drizzle with dressing. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve with dressing on the side if preferred.
Notes
- To make ahead, prepare ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.
- Option to add grilled chicken or roasted turkey for a main dish variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
