Description
A refreshing and vibrant Christmas Fresh Salad featuring a tangy orange vinaigrette, crisp spring mix greens, sweet mandarin oranges, tart pomegranate arils, crunchy candied pecans, and creamy crumbled feta cheese. Perfectly balanced and colorful, this salad is an ideal festive side dish or light meal during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Salad
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, and maple syrup or honey until well combined. Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad Base: Place the spring mix into a large salad bowl. Make sure the greens are fresh and crisp to provide a perfect base for the topping ingredients.
- Add Fruit and Nuts: Scatter the mandarin orange segments, pomegranate arils, and candied pecans evenly over the spring mix. These ingredients add a sweet and tart contrast with a crunchy texture to the salad.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad for a creamy and salty flavor that complements the fruit and nuts.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to evenly coat the ingredients with the dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful and vibrant.
Notes
- Use fresh mandarin oranges for a brighter flavor, but canned segments drained well work perfectly in a pinch.
- Candied pecans can be purchased or made at home by toasting pecans with a sprinkle of sugar until caramelized.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey.
- This salad is best served immediately after dressing to keep the greens crisp.
- For a vegan version, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely.
Keywords: Christmas salad, fresh salad, orange vinaigrette, spring mix salad, pomegranate salad, healthy holiday salad, festive salad