Winter Salad

This Winter Salad has become my favorite way to bring brightness to cold-weather meals, and I make it at least twice a month during the holiday season. The beautiful combination of crisp greens, juicy oranges, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, and creamy feta creates a salad that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat. I love how this recipe balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

Last Thanksgiving, I needed a fresh, colorful dish to balance out all the rich, heavy foods on our table. I created this winter salad using seasonal ingredients from my local farmers market, and it became an instant hit with my guests. The vibrant colors caught everyone’s eye immediately, and the blend of textures kept them coming back for seconds. This festive winter salad combines crisp mixed greens with sweet citrus, tart pomegranate, tangy feta, and crunchy candied pecans. The homemade honey Dijon dressing ties everything together beautifully. It’s a healthy winter salad that looks impressive but takes less than 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals.

Simple Ingredients for a Stunning Salad

I always use fresh spring greens rather than iceberg lettuce because they have better flavor and texture. Pro tip: buy pre-washed greens to save even more time on busy evenings.

• 7 cups mixed spring greens
• 1¼ 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

Pro tip: I prefer crumbling block feta cheese myself rather than buying pre-crumbled versions. The texture and flavor are noticeably superior, and block feta stays fresher longer in the refrigerator.

How to Assemble This Beautiful Winter Salad

I recommend preparing all your ingredients before you start assembling. This winter salad comes together quickly when everything is ready to go.

Step 1: Place the mixed spring greens in a large serving bowl. Spread them out evenly to create a base for the other ingredients.

Step 2: Arrange the orange segments over the greens, distributing them evenly across the bowl. If using fresh citrus, remove all white pith as it can taste bitter.

Step 3: Scatter the pomegranate seeds across the salad. Their bright red color creates beautiful visual contrast against the greens and oranges. Pro tip: to easily remove pomegranate seeds, cut the fruit in half and tap the back with a wooden spoon over a bowl.

Step 4: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad, followed by the roughly chopped candied pecans. The nuts add essential crunch to this winter salad.

Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and becomes slightly thick.

Step 6: Drizzle the homemade dressing over the winter salad just before serving. Start with about half the dressing and add more as needed. Pro tip: you may have leftover dressing, which stores well in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Step 7: Gently toss the salad ingredients together using salad tongs or two large spoons. Be careful not to over-mix, which can bruise the greens. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Perfect Pairings for Your Winter Salad

This light, refreshing salad works beautifully alongside richer main courses that need a bright counterpoint.

Roasted Chicken: The citrus notes in this winter salad complement herb-roasted chicken perfectly, while the tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the crispy skin.

Grilled Salmon: Fatty fish pairs wonderfully with this salad. The pomegranate and orange flavors enhance the natural richness of salmon while adding nutritional balance.

Holiday Ham: For festive occasions, serve this colorful winter salad alongside glazed ham. The sweet and savory elements in both dishes create harmonious flavor combinations.

Beef Tenderloin: When serving elegant beef dishes, this winter salad provides a light, palate-cleansing contrast that prevents the meal from feeling too heavy.

Butternut Squash Soup: Pair this salad with warm, creamy soup for a complete vegetarian meal that satisfies without weighing you down.

More Fresh and Flavorful Recipes

This winter salad pairs beautifully with hearty main dishes that benefit from a light, refreshing counterpoint. Serve alongside the elegant Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken for a complete holiday meal, or pair with Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice Stack for a vibrant, colorful dinner presentation. The citrus notes in this salad complement the savory flavors in Garlic Butter Steak with Parmesan Cream Sauce perfectly.

For lighter meal options, enjoy this salad with warm soups like Thai Coconut Pumpkin Soup or Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup. The combination creates satisfying vegetarian meals that showcase seasonal ingredients beautifully.

Keeping Your Salad Fresh

This winter salad tastes best when served immediately after tossing with dressing. The greens will wilt if dressed too far in advance.

For make-ahead convenience, I recommend storing the dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Prepare the oranges and pomegranate seeds up to 1 day ahead and store them in separate containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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