Name: 20-Minute Christmas Salad (Festive, Fresh & Perfect for the Holidays!)
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine); 1 cup pomegranate seeds; 0.5 cup dried cranberries; 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese; 0.33 cup toasted pecans or walnuts; 1 small orange (peeled and segmented); 1 small apple (thinly sliced); 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; salt and pepper (to taste)

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Bright, fresh, and packed with holiday flavors, this 20-Minute Christmas Salad is a perfect addition to any festive table. Loaded with colorful fruits, crunchy nuts, tangy feta, and a simple citrus vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing side that balances richer holiday dishes. Quick to assemble, this salad is perfect for last-minute gatherings or as a light, healthy addition to your holiday spread.

Ingredients

Salad Base
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1 small orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 small apple, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, nuts, orange segments, and apple slices.
Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring even coating without bruising the greens.
Serve Immediately:
Transfer to a serving bowl or plate and enjoy as a fresh, festive side dish.

Tips for the Perfect Christmas Salad

Nut Options: Use your favorite nuts—pecans, walnuts, or almonds—all add crunch and flavor.
Fruit Variations: Swap oranges for clementines or tangerines for a sweeter profile.
Make Ahead: Toast the nuts and prep fruit in advance, but toss with dressing right before serving to keep greens crisp.

Variations

Protein Addition: Add cooked chicken, turkey, or shrimp for a complete meal.
Cheese Swap: Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a tangy twist.
Gluten-Free Crunch: Add roasted chickpeas or pumpkin seeds for extra texture without gluten.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Christmas salads are popular in Western cuisine for their vibrant colors, representing festive red and green themes.
The combination of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors creates a refreshing balance to heavier holiday dishes.
Quick salads like this one reflect modern trends of fast, healthy holiday cooking without sacrificing flavor or presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or holiday casseroles for a complete festive meal.
Serve alongside warm rolls or crostini for a colorful appetizer spread.
Garnish with extra pomegranate seeds or fresh herbs for added holiday cheer.