Festive Christmas Salad

When the holiday season arrives, heavy comfort foods often take the spotlight. But every Christmas table needs something light, fresh, and colorful to balance out the richness — and that’s where a Festive Christmas Salad comes in. Packed with vibrant greens, ruby-red fruits, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts, this salad is not only delicious but also looks like Christmas in a bowl.

It’s the perfect mix of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy — and it pairs beautifully with everything from roast turkey to ham and beyond.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Vibrant & festive: Red, green, and white ingredients make it holiday-ready.
• Light but satisfying: A refreshing contrast to hearty Christmas mains.
• Easy to prepare: Comes together in under 20 minutes.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry.

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries)
• 1 cup apple slices (Honeycrisp or Fuji work great)
• 1 cup pear slices (ripe but firm)
• ½ cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

For the Dressing

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or pomegranate vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. Place greens in a large salad bowl or platter.
2. Arrange apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, onion, cheese, and nuts over the greens.
3. Just before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss gently.

Variations

• Citrus Twist: Add orange segments or blood oranges.
• Savory Upgrade: Use blue cheese instead of feta for a bolder flavor.
• Extra Crunch: Add toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
• Make it hearty: Add grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted chickpeas for protein.

Tips for Success

• Prevent browning: Toss apple and pear slices in lemon juice before adding to the salad.
• Dress just before serving: Keeps the greens crisp and fresh.
• Make ahead: Prep ingredients in advance but assemble last-minute.
• Use seasonal produce: Winter fruits like pears, pomegranates, and citrus add flavor and beauty.

Why This Salad Belongs on Your Holiday Table

This Festive Christmas Salad is more than just a side — it’s a centerpiece. The colors mirror the holiday spirit, and the flavors balance richness from other holiday dishes. Every bite combines crisp greens, juicy fruit, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts for a refreshing mix that everyone will love.

Light, colorful, and bursting with holiday cheer — this Festive Christmas Salad is the perfect way to brighten your Christmas feast.