Dessert

Christmas Salad with Citrus, Pomegranate, Feta, and Candied Pecans Recipe

BySimon Carel November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

Introduction

This festive Christmas Salad is a refreshing blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings. Crisp greens combined with citrus segments, pomegranate seeds, and creamy feta create a vibrant and colorful dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

A clear glass bowl holds a fresh salad with a mix of leafy greens including spinach and darker red lettuce as the base layer. On top, bright orange mandarin slices are scattered evenly, contrasted by popping red pomegranate seeds spread across the salad. Small chunks of white feta cheese are sprinkled generously, adding texture and color, while chopped brown pecans are mixed in for crunchy bits. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background with a whole orange and green leaves blurred softly in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

7 cups mixed spring greens
1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarin oranges, clementines, or tangerines)
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (can substitute dried cranberries)
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon shallot, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped candied pecans.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, and salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad to taste, then gently toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Tips & Variations

Substitute pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries for a different kind of sweetness and texture.
Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and richness.
For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Make candied pecans by tossing pecans with a bit of brown sugar and toasting them lightly in a pan.
If you want a zestier dressing, add a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest into the dressing mixture.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers—keep the greens and fruit refrigerated for up to 2 days. The dressing can be refrigerated for up to one week. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a fresh salad on a white marbled surface. The salad has a base of mixed bright green leafy greens, including spinach and lettuce. Scattered on top are shiny orange mandarin slices, small bright red pomegranate seeds, and small white crumbles of cheese. There are also some small brown nuts sprinkled throughout. A pair of shiny silver metal tongs is holding some of the salad from the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

It’s best to prepare the salad ingredients ahead but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.

What can I use if I don’t have shallots?

Finely minced red onion or a small amount of garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the dressing well.