Christmas Salad is a bright, fresh, and beautifully balanced dish that belongs on every holiday table. This festive combination of crisp greens, juicy fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese delivers bold flavor with very little effort. Because it comes together quickly, it works just as well for busy holiday dinners as it does for relaxed family gatherings. With its jewel-toned colors and light yet satisfying texture, this salad adds freshness to heavier seasonal meals while still feeling special enough for the occasion.
Story
I started making this Christmas Salad years ago when I wanted a fresh counterpoint to rich holiday classics. Between roasts, casseroles, and baked desserts, the table needed something crisp and vibrant. This Christmas Salad quickly became the answer. The mix of greens, citrus, pomegranate, and feta brings balance and color, while the honey mustard champagne vinaigrette ties everything together. Over time, this dish earned a permanent place on my menu because it feels celebratory without being complicated. When guests see this Christmas Salad arrive at the table, they always reach for it first, and they always ask for the recipe.
Ingredients
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
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3 tablespoons honey
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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¼ cup olive oil
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12 ounces fresh spring greens
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⅔ cup sliced almonds
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⅔ cup crumbled feta cheese
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4 seedless mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
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1 pomegranate, seeded
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by mincing the garlic finely so it blends smoothly into the dressing. Measure all vinaigrette ingredients before mixing to keep the process quick and organized. Rinse and dry the spring greens thoroughly, since excess moisture can water down the dressing. Segment the mandarins carefully, removing any pith. Seed the pomegranate ahead of time to keep assembly stress-free.
Cooking Instructions
Whisk the garlic, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a creamy, well-balanced dressing. In a large bowl, combine the spring greens, almonds, feta, mandarin oranges, and pomegranate arils. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Season lightly with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Tips for Perfect Results
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overdressing the salad, since too much vinaigrette can overwhelm the delicate greens. Skipping the step of drying the greens thoroughly can also lead to a diluted flavor. Using pre-crumbled feta instead of freshly crumbled cheese may result in a drier texture. Lastly, tossing the salad too far in advance can cause the greens to wilt before serving.
Pro Tips for Better Flavor
Toast the sliced almonds lightly in a dry skillet to bring out their natural nuttiness. Chill the dressing for a few minutes before tossing for a refreshing finish. For extra depth, add a small pinch of orange zest to the vinaigrette. If you like contrast, a touch of freshly cracked black pepper on top adds subtle heat.
Serving and Storage
How to Serve
Serve this Holiday Green Salad immediately after tossing for the best texture and color. It pairs well with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken. For a buffet-style meal, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. This salad also works beautifully as a light starter before a hearty main course.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. For best results, store the dressing separately if possible. If already dressed, expect the greens to soften slightly. Stir gently before serving again, and refresh with a small squeeze of citrus if needed.
Conclusion
This Christmas Salad proves that holiday food can feel festive without being heavy or complicated. With fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and a quick preparation, it fits seamlessly into any seasonal menu. Whether you serve it as a Festive Side Dish or a light main, this recipe delivers color, texture, and flavor every time. Once you try it, you will find yourself making it for more than just the holidays.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and prep all ingredients several hours in advance. Store everything separately, then toss just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
What substitutions work best for this recipe?
Goat cheese works well in place of feta, and pecans or walnuts can replace almonds. Mixed baby greens or arugula also make good alternatives to spring greens in this Winter Salad.
Is this salad suitable for parties?
Yes, this recipe works perfectly as a Party Salad because it scales easily and looks beautiful on a large platter. Keep the dressing on the side until serving for best results.
Print
Christmas Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and colorful Christmas Salad made with spring greens, citrus, pomegranate, feta, and a honey mustard champagne vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 12 ounces fresh spring greens
- 2/3 cup sliced almonds
- 2/3 cup feta cheese
- 4 seedless mandarin oranges, segmented
- 1 pomegranate, seeded
Instructions
- Whisk garlic, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously
- Add spring greens, almonds, feta, mandarin oranges, and pomegranate to a large bowl
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to coat
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
Notes
- Dry greens thoroughly before tossing
- Toast almonds for added flavor
- Dress salad just before serving
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 313
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 473mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.002g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg