What ingredients go into a traditional Christmas salad?

A traditional Christmas salad often includes baby spinach or mixed greens, mandarin oranges or clementines, pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, and crumbled goat cheese or feta. The dressing is usually a honey-mustard lime vinaigrette made with mustard, lime juice, honey, and olive oil. These ingredients combine to offer a fresh, colorful, and festive dish that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

Can I prepare the Christmas salad ahead of time without it becoming soggy?

Yes, you can prep most ingredients separately in advance. Segment the mandarin oranges, remove pomegranate seeds, and toast pecans up to a day before serving. The dressing can be made and refrigerated for up to three days. Assemble the salad just before serving, adding dressing, cheese, and nuts last to keep the greens crisp and prevent sogginess.

What are good ingredient substitutions if I can’t find pomegranates or mandarins during the holidays?

If pomegranates are out of season, dried cranberries provide similar tartness and crunch. For mandarins, you can use peeled small oranges, canned mandarin segments, or swap in cold-weather fruits like peeled pears, sliced apples, or persimmons for a different but still festive touch.

Is the Christmas salad a healthy option for holiday meals?

Yes, this salad is a healthy holiday choice. It is naturally gluten-free, meatless, and full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from fresh fruit and greens. The dressing uses natural sweeteners like honey, and the nuts add healthy fats and protein, making it a light, nutrient-packed alternative to heavier holiday sides.

What main courses pair well with a Christmas salad?

Christmas salad pairs well with a variety of holiday mains such as roasted ham, prime rib, turkey, or beef tenderloin. It also complements seafood dishes and vegetarian options like vegetable-stuffed pasta or a corn and vegetable casserole, adding a refreshing contrast to richer, heartier flavors.

Christmas Salad Recipe with Fresh Greens and Honey Mustard

Name: christmas salad
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 7 cups fresh spring greens (or substitute with spinach, arugula, or frisée); – 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarin oranges, clementines, or tangerines); – 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or substitute dried cranberries); – 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese, blue cheese alternatives); – 1/2 cup roughly chopped candied or toasted pecans, walnuts, or mixed nuts; – 1/3 cup olive oil; – 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup); – 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; – 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or balsamic vinegar); – 1 tablespoon minced shallot; – Salt (about 1/2 teaspoon) and pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon)

Description

🎄 Christmas Salad with Fresh Greens combines vibrant fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese for a festive and nutritious holiday dish.
🍊 The sweet honey mustard dressing perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors, making this salad a refreshing complement to any rich main course.

Ingredients

– 7 cups fresh spring greens (or substitute with spinach, arugula, or frisée)

– 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarin oranges, clementines, or tangerines)

– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or substitute dried cranberries)

– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese, blue cheese alternatives)

– 1/2 cup roughly chopped candied or toasted pecans, walnuts, or mixed nuts

– 1/3 cup olive oil

– 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)

– 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)

– 1 tablespoon minced shallot

– Salt (about 1/2 teaspoon) and pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

1-Prepare ingredients: Thoroughly wash 7 cups of fresh spring greens and 1 1/4 cups of orange segments (mandarin oranges, clementines, or tangerines). Gather 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries, and optionally slice apples or avocado for extra texture.

2-Toast nuts: Lightly toast 1/2 cup roughly chopped candied or toasted pecans, walnuts, or mixed nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

3-Assemble salad base: In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed greens with orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled 1/2 cup feta cheese (or goat cheese/blue cheese), and the toasted nuts.

4-Make dressing: Whisk together 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon minced shallot. Season with about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Optionally, add lime or lemon juice, orange zest, fig preserves, or chili flakes for extra dimension.

5-Dress and toss: Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Add pecans and pomegranate seeds last to retain their crunch and vibrant appearance.

6-Serve: Serve immediately for maximum freshness or chill briefly. Garnish with additional nuts or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

🥗 Use a mix of fresh spring greens or substitute with spinach, arugula, or frisée for variety.
🌰 Toast nuts before adding to enhance their crunch and flavor.
🍯 Prepare the dressing up to three days ahead and refrigerate to develop deeper flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Toasting Nuts: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 280 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: Christmas Salad, Honey Mustard Dressing, Fresh Greens Salad, Festive Holiday Salad