Christmas Salad 💚❤️

This Christmas Salad is a festive, vibrant dish perfect for the holiday season. Packed with fresh ingredients like spinach, pomegranate, and candied pecans, it’s both delicious and visually stunning—ideal for holiday dinners or as a refreshing side!

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds (fresh or from pomegranate arils)
  • 1/2 cup roasted, unsalted pecans (candied if preferred)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup orange segments (peeled)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced cucumber (optional)

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
  1. Wash and dry the spinach or mixed greens.
  2. Peel and segment the orange, then slice it into small pieces.
  3. If using, thinly slice the red onion and cucumber.
  4. If your pecans aren’t candied, you can quickly toast them in a pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly caramelized, or you can buy pre-candied pecans.
  5. Assemble the Salad:
    In a large serving bowl, layer the spinach (or mixed greens), pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, feta cheese, orange segments, red onion slices, and dried cranberries (if using).
  6. Make the Dressing:
    In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), honey, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or vinegar if desired.
  7. Toss and Serve:
    Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure everything is coated in the flavorful dressing.

Tips:

  • To make the salad even more festive, you can add some sliced avocado or roasted beets for extra color and flavor.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free version, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese.
  • Make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

This Christmas Salad is light, colorful, and the perfect addition to your holiday spread! 🎄🎅💚❤️