If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate showstopper for your holiday table, this Christmas Salad Recipe is pure festive magic in a bowl. Every bite bursts with the juicy sweetness of mandarins, the sparkling pop of pomegranate seeds, and luscious morsels of crumbled feta — all set against a bed of bright, crisp greens. Quick to toss together and gorgeous to look at, it brings both vibrant color and irresistible flavor to any gathering, earning rave reviews from guests year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how this Holiday salad relies on the freshest, simplest ingredients to build complexity. Each item offers a different taste, texture, or color, and together they create that wow factor that makes the Christmas Salad Recipe an instant favorite.
- Mixed greens (6 cups): Use a blend of arugula, spinach, and baby romaine for a balance of flavors—peppery, tender, and crisp all at once.
- Pomegranate seeds (1 cup): These are little rubies of juicy sweetness that add a burst of tang and playful crunch.
- Mandarin orange segments (1 cup): Fresh or well-drained canned segments bring a burst of citrusy brightness to the mix.
- Sliced almonds, toasted (1/2 cup): Toasting the almonds intensifies their nutty flavor and gives every forkful a delicate crunch.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup): Creamy, tangy feta complements the fruit and ties the whole dish together.
- Red onion, thinly sliced (1/4 small): A sharp, savory element that cuts through the sweetness without overpowering.
- Balsamic vinaigrette dressing (1/3 cup): Provides a sweet and tangy finish; a splash of honey can make it even more festive.
How to Make Christmas Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Greens
Start by giving your mixed greens a quick rinse and spin to dry. Crisp, fresh leaves are the unsung hero of this Christmas Salad Recipe, so take a moment to ensure they feel cool and perky. Lay them gently in your largest salad bowl—presentation begins now!
Step 2: Add the Jewels and Fruit
Sprinkle in the pomegranate seeds and mandarin orange segments, distributing them evenly for pops of color and sweet-tart flavor throughout. For a more elegant look, set aside a few pieces to scatter on top later.
Step 3: Nuts and Cheese
Scatter the toasted sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese over the greens. Don’t stress if a little extra cheese finds its way in—there’s no such thing as too much!
Step 4: Layer on the Onions
Nestle in the thin slivers of red onion. If you want a milder onion flavor, soak them in cold water for ten minutes and drain before adding, which tames their sharp edge while keeping the crunch.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Right before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over your salad. Gently toss everything together, aiming for an even coating without bruising the greens. Your Christmas Salad Recipe is now ready to take center stage!
How to Serve Christmas Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your salad with a final scatter of pomegranate seeds, a few reserved orange segments, or a sprinkle of extra toasted almonds. If you’re feeling extra festive, a handful of fresh mint leaves or a whisper of orange zest really brings it to life.
Side Dishes
This Christmas Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or any main dish gracing your holiday table. Serve it alongside cheesy potatoes, fresh sourdough rolls, or even as a refreshing starter before a rich pasta entree.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad in a clear trifle bowl to showcase every colorful layer, or serve individual portions in stemless wine glasses for a touch of elegance. Edible flowers or festive rosemary sprigs make stunning finishing touches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The greens might wilt slightly, but the flavors deepen as they mingle together.
Freezing
This salad isn’t a candidate for freezing, as the greens and fruit lose their texture and become soggy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh for its signature crunch and vibrancy.
Reheating
There is no need to reheat—Christmas Salad Recipe is at its best served chilled or at room temperature. If you’re adding leftover chicken or turkey, warm those separately before tossing them in.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t like feta?
Absolutely! Goat cheese is a dreamy substitute, keeping that creamy, tangy character. Even shaved parmesan or gorgonzola would be delicious—feel free to play with your favorite flavors.
What’s the best way to toast almonds?
Scatter the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden—usually just 2 to 3 minutes. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly!
Can I prepare Christmas Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Prepping components in advance works beautifully. Wash and dry your greens, segment the mandarin oranges, and toast the nuts ahead of time. Wait until the last moment to toss everything together and add the vinaigrette for the best texture.
How can I make this salad a meal?
Add sliced grilled chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for a protein boost. The Christmas Salad Recipe transforms into a hearty, show-stopping lunch or light dinner this way!
Any tips for making it kid-friendly?
For picky eaters, skip the onions or swap the feta for a mild cheese. Chop the greens smaller and consider a sweeter, honey-tinged dressing to win over young salad skeptics.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to make this Christmas Salad Recipe part of your holiday celebrations. It’s easy, festive, and absolutely delicious—a little edible joy to bring people together! Here’s to sharing this tradition with your loved ones for years to come.
Print
Christmas Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Salad recipe is a festive and colorful addition to any holiday table. With a mix of greens, sweet pomegranate seeds, juicy mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, tangy feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, this salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Mixed Greens:
6 cups
Pomegranate Seeds:
1 cup
Mandarin Orange Segments:
1 cup
Sliced Almonds (toasted):
1/2 cup
Feta Cheese (crumbled):
1/2 cup
Red Onion (small, thinly sliced):
1/4
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing:
1/3 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
- Toss and Serve: Toss gently to combine all ingredients and serve immediately.
Add the pomegranate seeds, mandarin orange segments, toasted sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced red onion.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese for feta and walnuts or pecans for almonds.
- Add grilled chicken or turkey for a heartier option.
- For a sweeter dressing, mix balsamic vinaigrette with a teaspoon of honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
