Bright, refreshing, and full of flavor, this Winter Salad is the perfect addition to any holiday or weekend menu. 🌿🍊✨ Sweet oranges, juicy pomegranate seeds, creamy feta, and crunchy candied pecans sit atop crisp mixed greens and are finished with a tangy homemade dressing. It’s simple to prepare, visually stunning, and a lighter complement to heavier main courses.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Sweet & Savory Balance: Oranges and pomegranate add natural sweetness, feta gives creamy tang, and candied pecans bring a delightful crunch.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Whip up the dressing up to 3 days ahead and prep the fruit a day before for stress-free entertaining.
- Customizable: Swap fruits, nuts, or cheeses to suit your taste—this salad is versatile and forgiving.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 ¼ cups orange segments (mandarins, clementines, or tangerines)
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced shallot
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta, and candied pecans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, shallot, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Salad
- Fresh vs. Canned: Fresh oranges offer the best texture and flavor.
- Cheese Choice: Crumble feta yourself for superior taste; pre-crumbled varieties may contain additives.
- Quick Prep: Pre-washed greens and pre-packaged pomegranate seeds save time.
Flavor Variations
- Fruit: Swap oranges for apples, pears, or persimmons.
- Nuts: Try almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a different crunch.
- Cheese: Use blue cheese, parmesan, ricotta salata, or mozzarella balls instead of feta.
- Add-Ins: Shaved fennel, red onions, avocado, or dried cranberries make excellent additions.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Slice oranges and prep pomegranate seeds a day ahead.
- Toss together just before serving to keep greens crisp and fresh.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 11mg
- Sodium: 193mg
- Carbs: 16g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 3g
This Winter Salad is colorful, festive, and full of flavor—perfect for holiday tables or any time you want a fresh, light dish with a sweet and savory twist. 🌟
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