Name: Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 6 cups spring mix; 1 cup mandarin orange segments, fresh or canned, drained; 1 cup pomegranate arils; ½ cup candied pecans; ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese

I’m so excited to share this Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe — it’s one of those salads that feels like a celebration in every bite. The bright, juicy oranges play so beautifully against the tart pop of pomegranate seeds, while the candied pecans bring the perfect touch of sweet crunch. This salad is light, festive, and totally refreshing, making it a standout addition to your holiday table or any winter gathering.

I’ve made this salad a bunch of times during the holidays, and what I love most is how it balances flavors and textures effortlessly. Plus, it comes together quickly, which means you’ll have more time to enjoy the company and less time fussing in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe, you’ll be reaching for it every season!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together to create a vibrant and balanced salad. Fresh, seasonal produce meets sweet and tangy elements, with the candied pecans adding an indulgent crunch. Here’s a quick tip: try to find the freshest oranges and pomegranates you can—trust me, it makes all the difference!

Spring mix: A mix of tender greens like baby spinach, arugula, and baby lettuces adds freshness and a variety of textures.
Mandarin orange segments: Fresh segments are ideal, but canned mandarins work well too—just be sure to drain them well to avoid soggy salad.
Pomegranate arils: They add that jewel-like burst of flavor and color. If fresh pomegranate feels intimidating, you can find arils pre-packaged in stores.
Candied pecans: Store-bought saves time, but homemade lets you customize the sweetness and spice.
Crumbled feta cheese: It brings a savory, salty contrast to the sweetness of fruit and nuts.
For the dressing ingredients: Fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), extra virgin olive oil, and salt & pepper combine into a tangy-sweet vinaigrette that ties everything together.

Variations

Feel free to switch things up to suit your tastes or pantry supplies. I often tweak this salad depending on what feels festive or fresh that season. The best part of this Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe is how flexible it is—you really can’t go wrong!

Add protein: Grilled chicken or roasted turkey work great if you want to make it more of a meal. One holiday, I added leftover turkey and it was fantastic.
Nut swaps: Try candied walnuts or almonds if pecans aren’t your thing or you want a different crunch.
Cheese alternatives: Goat cheese makes a creamy, tangy substitute for feta.
Greens variations: Kale or baby arugula can replace or compliment the spring mix for a slightly peppery note.
Make it vegan: Skip the cheese and swap honey for maple syrup in the dressing to keep it plant-based.

How to Make Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Zesty Dressing

Start by combining fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of maple syrup or honey in a bowl. Then, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously until the dressing emulsifies with a silky texture. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This step is crucial because the dressing brings everything together, so make sure it tastes bright and balanced—taste as you go!

Step 2: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Rinse and thoroughly dry your spring mix—wet greens can water down your dressing. Peel and segment your mandarins if using fresh, being careful to remove any seeds and pith. Remove arils from the pomegranate by gently tapping the back with a wooden spoon over a bowl to catch the seeds. Crumble your feta cheese and have your candied pecans ready to go, too.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

In a large salad bowl, combine the spring mix, mandarin segments, pomegranate arils, and candied pecans. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly—be gentle so you don’t mash the fruit or wilt the greens. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta over the salad just before serving for that salty pop.

How to Serve Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe

A bowl filled with a four-layer salad: the bottom layer is dark and light green mixed leafy greens, the next layer shows bright orange tangerine slices placed scattered, followed by shiny red pomegranate seeds spread evenly, and the top layer is white crumbled cheese and brown candied nuts sprinkled all over. The bowl is white, sitting on a white marbled surface with a blurred second bowl in the background. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish this salad with an extra handful of pomegranate seeds or a few pecan halves on top for a gorgeous look. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or mint to brighten the flavors even more—especially if I’m serving it at a holiday party.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roast chicken or turkey, making it a fantastic accompaniment to your Christmas dinner. It’s also great alongside savory quiches or as a fresh counterpoint to richer sides like mashed potatoes or stuffing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I’ve served this salad layered in clear glass trifle bowls, which shows off all those beautiful colors and textures. Another fun way is to plate individual servings in small bowls topped with a whole candied pecan and a sprig of fresh herb—guests love that personal touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—and I hope you do!—store the salad without dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to keep the greens crisp and the flavors fresh.

Freezing

Since this salad relies on fresh fruit and crisp greens, I don’t recommend freezing it. The texture and flavor would suffer quite a bit. Instead, enjoy it fresh and make a new batch if needed.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to prepare components ahead, just toss everything fresh right before serving to keep the flavors vibrant and textures perfect.

FAQs

Can I make the candied pecans from scratch?

Absolutely! Making candied pecans at home is easy and lets you control the sweetness. Simply toast the pecans lightly in a pan with butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon until caramelized and crunchy. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?

Yes, if you prefer a different flavor or need a dairy-free option, try goat cheese or omit cheese altogether. For vegan versions, nutritional yeast sprinkled on top can add a savory depth.
How do I remove pomegranate seeds easily?

Cut the pomegranate in half and tap the back firmly with a wooden spoon over a bowl to release the arils quickly. This avoids messing with the white pith, which can taste bitter.
Is this salad suitable for a holiday buffet?

Definitely. It adds a fresh, colorful option to the buffet and can be tossed quickly just before serving. Plus, it appeals to guests looking for lighter fare.
Can I add protein to make this salad more filling?

Yes! Adding grilled chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas is a great way to make this Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe more of a meal. I’ve done it, and it’s a real win.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe is truly one of my go-to festive dishes. It’s vibrant, quick to prepare, and a crowd-pleaser that brings so much holiday cheer—both in color and flavor! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a warm and welcome part of your holiday traditions. Pull out your bowl, toss this salad together, and watch it disappear at the dinner table!