Christmas Salad

The first time I made this Christmas Salad, I was honestly a little skeptical. A salad for Christmas dinner? It sounded too fresh and light for the indulgent holiday table. But let me tell you, once you try it, you’ll understand why this Christmas Salad has become my go-to dish every holiday season. It’s bursting with fresh, crisp flavors, a hint of sweetness, and a festive pop of color that makes your plate sing. Plus, it’s a colorful way to sneak in some greens amid all the rich treats, without sacrificing flavor. If you’re looking for a salad that brings joy, crunch, and that unmistakable Christmas charm, this Christmas Salad is exactly what you need.

Christmas Salad: Why It Works & Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed baby greens (spinach, arugula, and red leaf lettuce)
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds (for that festive red jewel-like burst)
• 1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced (adds tartness and crisp texture)
• 1 cup toasted pecans (for crunch and warmth)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (salty creaminess)
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped (refreshing herbal notes)
• For the dressing:
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adds mild acidity)
• 1 tablespoon honey (to balance the tartness)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for a bit of subtle heat)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

This Christmas Salad works because it masterfully balances texture and flavor. The baby greens serve as the soft, leafy base, while the pomegranate seeds bring that satisfying juicy snap. The tartness of the Granny Smith apple cuts through the sweetness of the honey in the dressing, making every bite refreshing. Toasted pecans add a little smoky richness and crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy feta. The red onion gives a gentle bite but stays mellow thanks to the tangy, sweet dressing. Fresh mint leaves are that secret weapon that lifts the whole salad with a subtle, festive herbal punch.

Christmas Salad

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Enjoy a fresh and flavorful Christmas Salad that brings joy and color to your holiday table with easytomake festive ingredients

• Author: molly
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 cups mixed baby greens (spinach, arugula, and red leaf lettuce)

1 cup pomegranate seeds

1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced

1 cup toasted pecans

0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese

0.5 small red onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped

0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt to taste

Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Start by preparing your dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once combined, set it aside to let the flavors marry.

Wash and dry your mixed greens thoroughly. Excess water will make the salad soggy, so use a salad spinner or carefully pat them dry with paper towels.

Thinly slice the Granny Smith apple and red onion. To keep the apple slices from browning, toss them gently with a teaspoon of the dressing right after slicing.

Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan frequently until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. Watch closely so they don’t burn!

In a large bowl, combine the dried greens, pomegranate seeds, sliced apple, red onion, pecans, and chopped mint.

Drizzle most of the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every leaf and ingredient. Start with less dressing; add more if needed.

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving to avoid it melting into the greens.

Notes

Christmas Salad is a refreshing, festive dish bursting with fresh baby greens, pomegranate seeds, apples, toasted pecans, feta, and a balanced sweet-tart dressing. Perfect for holiday meals, it brings a crunchy, colorful charm to your Christmas table.

Christmas Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by preparing your dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once combined, set it aside to let the flavors marry.
2. Wash and dry your mixed greens thoroughly. Excess water will make the salad soggy, so I like to use a salad spinner or carefully pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Thinly slice the Granny Smith apple and red onion. To keep the apple slices from browning, toss them gently with a teaspoon of the dressing right after slicing.
4. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan frequently until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. Watch closely so they don’t burn!
5. In a large bowl, combine the dried greens, pomegranate seeds, sliced apple, red onion, pecans, and chopped mint.
6. Drizzle most of the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every leaf and ingredient. Don’t overdress—start with less; you can always add more.
7. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving to avoid it melting into the greens.

This salad literally comes together fast and is fantastic fresh. The best part? The aroma of toasted pecans mingling with fresh mint and fruity pomegranate will make you want to dig right in!

Christmas Salad: Tips for Success

• Don’t overdress: Adding too much dressing can make your greens soggy quickly. Toss lightly, and add more if needed after tasting.
• Toast nuts carefully: Nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds. Keep your eye on them and toss the pan often to avoid that bitter taste.
• Pat greens dry: Wet greens dilute flavor and ruin the texture. Make sure they’re really dry before assembling.
• Add delicate ingredients last: Sprinkle the feta and pomegranate seeds right before serving to keep them looking pretty and fresh.
• Use freshly cracked black pepper: It perks up the dressing more than pre-ground pepper, giving your salad a little zing.

Christmas Salad: Storage & Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the textures crisp and vibrant. If you do have leftovers, store the salad components separately. Keep the greens, apples, onions, and cheese in one airtight container and the dressing in another. Add the dressing only when you’re ready to serve again. If you mix it too soon, the greens will wil until mushy.

Since this salad is served cold, there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a fresh toss and maybe add a splash of dressing if it tastes a bit dry. The pecans might soften over time, so it’s best to toast extra nuts fresh if you want that crunchy pop at your next serving.

Christmas Salad: FAQ

Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well too. Toasting them enhances their flavor just like pecans. Just make sure to adjust quantities based on the nut size and taste preferences.

What dressing can I use if I want a dairy-free option?

This salad is naturally dairy-light with the feta as the main dairy element. You can simply leave out the feta or swap it with a dairy-free cheese alternative, and stick with the oil and apple cider vinegar-based dressing — it’s wonderfully tangy and sweet as is.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients but keep them separate until serving. Toss the salad with dressing and cheese just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Is this salad suitable for a holiday crowd?

Yes! The fresh flavors, festive colors, and a nice balance of sweet and salty elements make it a great side for many holiday meals. Plus, it’s easy to scale up for larger groups.

What’s the best way to keep the apple slices from browning?

Coating the slices lightly in the dressing or tossing them with a little lemon juice right after cutting helps prevent browning and keeps them fresh-looking and crisp.

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving (recipe serves 4):

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 18g (mostly from healthy olive oil and pecans)
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 12g (natural sugars from apple and pomegranate)

These numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and portion sizes. This salad offers a nice balance of healthy fats, fresh veggies, and natural sweetness without overloading on calories—perfect for a holiday side.

Christmas Salad: A Warm Invitation

Making this Christmas Salad always feels like sharing a little holiday magic from my kitchen to yours. It adds the perfect fresh, colorful counterpoint to all the rich dishes holiday meals tend to bring. I love hearing how it brightens up your festive dinners or becomes a new classic tradition. Give it a try, and I hope it finds a happy spot on your table this season. If you make it, please drop a comment or rating—I’d love to know what you think!