Looking for a refreshing and festive salad to brighten up your holiday table? This Christmas Fresh Salad is the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will impress your guests. Easy to make and versatile, this salad is a must-have for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of sweet mandarin oranges, tangy pomegranate arils, crunchy candied pecans, and creamy feta cheese creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
- With a quick prep time and simple ingredients, this salad is perfect for meal prep or as a last-minute addition to any meal.
- The homemade orange vinaigrette dressing adds a zesty and refreshing touch that ties all the ingredients together perfectly.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Dressing:
- Fresh orange juice: Adds a citrusy flavor to the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar: Provides a tangy kick.
- Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a hint of spiciness.
- Maple syrup or honey: Sweetens the dressing.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Creates a smooth and velvety texture.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
For the Salad:
- Spring mix: A mix of tender and flavorful greens.
- Mandarin orange segments: Adds a sweet and juicy element.
- Pomegranate arils: Adds a burst of color and tartness.
- Candied pecans: Provides a crunchy and sweet contrast.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the spring mix, mandarin orange segments, pomegranate arils, candied pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle the orange vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve the Christmas Fresh Salad immediately and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a sweeter dressing, add more maple syrup or honey to taste.
- To make this salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent wilting of the greens.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Toast the pecans before adding them to the salad for an extra depth of flavor.
- For a different flavor profile, try adding some sliced avocado or grilled chicken to the salad.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Christmas Fresh Salad as a side dish to roasted turkey or ham for a complete holiday meal. Pair it with a glass of sparkling cider or white wine for a festive touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the freshness of the greens.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese in this salad?
Yes, you can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile. - Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh orange juice for the dressing?
While fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled orange juice as a substitute. - How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?
Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative to make this salad vegan-friendly. - Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using.
Conclusion:
This Christmas Fresh Salad is a delightful addition to any holiday gathering or weeknight dinner. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and let us know how you enjoyed it!
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Christmas Fresh Salad
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Fresh Salad is a vibrant and festive dish that combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges and pomegranate arils with the crunch of candied pecans and the tanginess of feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty orange vinaigrette.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 6 cups spring mix
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments fresh or canned, drained
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- ½ cup candied pecans
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spring mix, mandarin orange segments, pomegranate arils, candied pecans, and feta cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to customize this salad by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- This salad can be made ahead of time, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg