This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Christmas salad is filled with pops of fresh seasonal fruit and dressed to perfection in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette!
A Great Holiday Side
We always LOVE a good salad – especially when it’s filled with seasonal favorites!
This fresh and fruity Christmas salad highlights oranges and pomegranates (some of our favorite winter fruits) and pairs it with crunchy candied pecans and salty feta cheese all smothered in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette! It’s the perfect side to any holiday meal.
This light and refreshing salad pairs perfectly with the traditionally heavy food we eat around the holidays – or makes a tasty main dish when protein is added! We think you’ll agree it’s delicious and beyond simple to make.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- Perfect for your holiday menu. It’s a light and refreshing addition to any holiday spread.
- Fresh fruit. We highlighted some of our favorite seasonal fruits for delicious pops of flavor!
- Ready in just 10 minutes. This Christmas side dish is quick and easy and ready in a flash with a tasty homemade vinaigrette!
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
Salad
- 6 – 7 cups leafy salad green mix, chopped (if desired) – or mixed greens using baby spinach, Romain, radicchio, arugula, or butter lettuce
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ½ cup feta cheese – or blue cheese or goat cheese
- ⅓ cup crushed candied pecans, or sliced almonds – store-bought nuts or homemade Candied Pecans
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar – For the same flavor but a clear dressing use white balsamic vinegar.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – How to Mince Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- salt and ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make a Christmas Salad
- SALAD. In a large bowl, toss 6-7 cups leafy greens, 1 cup mandarin oranges, ½ cup pomegranate seeds, ½ cup feta, and ⅓ cup crushed candied pecans together.
- DRESSING. Make the vinaigrette by combining ¾ cup olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, and salt and pepper to taste in a glass jar with a lid.
- Shake vigorously until combined well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Drizzle vinaigrette on the salad and toss before serving.
Christmas Salad
Ingredients
- 6-7 cups leafy salad green mix, chopped (if desired)
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ½ cup feta cheese
- ⅓ cup crushed candied pecans, or sliced almonds
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss leafy greens, seeds, feta, and candied pecans.
- Make vinaigrette by combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a glass jar with a lid.
- Shake vigorously until combined well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Add vinaigrette to salad and toss before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Prepare the salad a day in advance, but do not add the mandarin oranges or vinaigrette until right before serving.
Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
