Bright, colorful, and bursting with flavor — this Festive Christmas Salad with Pomegranate is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh. Juicy oranges, crunchy candied pecans, creamy feta cheese, and vibrant pomegranate seeds come together over a bed of crisp spring greens, all drizzled with the most delicious honey mustard dressing.
Whether you’re planning your holiday dinner menu or just want something refreshing alongside rich seasonal dishes, this Christmas salad is a showstopper that looks as good as it tastes!
A Holiday Salad Everyone Will Love
During the holidays, it’s easy to get swept away by sugary treats and heavy comfort foods — but this Focus Keyword brings a little brightness to your festive table.
It’s a vibrant mix of sweet fruits, tangy cheese, and crunchy nuts that makes you actually want to eat your greens.
Each bite is fresh and full of contrast: juicy citrus meets crisp lettuce, pomegranate bursts with sweetness, and the honey mustard dressing ties it all together in the most delightful way.
This easy salad recipe also happens to be quick to make — ready in just about 10 minutes — and perfect for Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve, or any special winter gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Salad with Pomegranate
- Quick and effortless: Just toss, drizzle, and serve — no cooking required.
- Festive and colorful: The mix of greens, red pomegranate, and orange slices looks beautiful on any holiday table.
- Perfectly balanced: Sweet fruits, tangy cheese, and savory nuts make a combination everyone will love.
- Crowd-pleasing: It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, ham, turkey, or vegetarian dishes.
- Customizable: Easily switch up the nuts, fruits, or dressing to match your preferences.
Christmas Salad Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this bright and flavorful Focus Keyword:
For the Salad:
- Mixed greens – A combination of baby spinach, arugula, and tender lettuce creates a perfect base with both mild and peppery flavors.
- Mandarin or clementine oranges – Their juicy sweetness gives the salad a cheerful citrus note.
- Pomegranate arils – Little ruby jewels that add crunch, sweetness, and a beautiful holiday red color.
- Candied nuts – Pecans or walnuts are ideal; they add that addictive sweet crunch.
- Feta cheese – Soft, salty, and crumbly; it balances the sweetness of the fruits perfectly.
For the Dressing:
- A simple honey mustard dressing, made with honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of salt and pepper.
Tip: You can use store-bought dressing in a pinch, but homemade honey mustard really elevates the flavor.
How to Make This Christmas Salad
This festive Focus Keyword couldn’t be simpler! Just three easy steps, and your beautiful salad is ready to serve.
- Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use. - Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, spread out your mixed greens. Layer on orange segments, pomegranate arils, candied nuts, and crumbled feta cheese. - Dress and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard dressing evenly over the top. Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients without crushing the delicate greens.
That’s it! In just minutes, you’ll have a stunning holiday salad that’s fresh, flavorful, and festive.
The Perfect Dressing for Your Christmas Salad
The secret behind the irresistible flavor of this Focus Keyword lies in the honey mustard dressing. The balance of sweet honey and tangy mustard complements the fruits and cheese beautifully, creating a harmony of flavors in every bite.
If you prefer a different flavor twist, you can swap it for lemon poppyseed dressing or a light balsamic vinaigrette — both pair wonderfully with the same ingredients.
Creative Variations and Substitutions
This salad is endlessly versatile. Here are some fun variations to try depending on what you have on hand:
- Fruits: Replace oranges and pomegranate with sliced apples, pears, or dried cranberries for a cozy winter touch.
- Nuts: Swap candied pecans for roasted almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Cheese: Try goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan instead of feta.
- Greens: Substitute with baby kale or romaine if you prefer something heartier.
- Dressing: For a twist, use citrus vinaigrette or a maple Dijon dressing for extra sweetness.
These substitutions make it easy to adapt the salad for different occasions — or just to use what’s already in your pantry.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning ahead for a busy holiday dinner? You can absolutely prep this Focus Keyword in advance!
- Prepare the dressing up to 3 days ahead and keep it refrigerated in a sealed jar.
- Assemble the salad ingredients (greens, oranges, pomegranate, feta, nuts) but don’t toss them together yet.
- Add the dressing only right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Your salad will stay bright and beautiful — no soggy greens here!
Serving Suggestions
This festive salad pairs wonderfully with all your Christmas favorites, from roasted turkey and baked ham to vegetarian main dishes like stuffed squash or mushroom Wellington.
It’s also a great option for potlucks or buffet-style gatherings — colorful, refreshing, and easy to serve in a large bowl.
Print
Festive Christmas Salad with Pomegranate and Honey Mustard Dressing
- Total Time: 10 min
Description
Bright, fresh, and festive — this easy Christmas Salad with Pomegranate is filled with juicy oranges, candied nuts, creamy feta, and a golden honey mustard dressing that makes every bite sparkle with holiday flavor.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
6 cups mixed greens (spring mix, spinach, or arugula)
1 cup mandarin or clementine orange segments (about 3–4 oranges)
1 cup pomegranate arils (or ½ cup dried cranberries)
⅔ cup candied or glazed nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until creamy and smooth. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use. -
Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, spread out the mixed greens. Add the orange segments, pomegranate arils, candied nuts, and crumbled feta cheese. -
Dress and Serve
Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to coat the greens evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy your festive Christmas Salad!
Notes
- This Christmas Salad makes a wonderful side dish for turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables.
- For an extra festive look, garnish with fresh rosemary or mint leaves.
- If serving buffet-style, keep dressing on the side so guests can add their own.
- Double the recipe easily for larger gatherings — it disappears fast!
- Prep Time: 10 min
I’m a passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes inspired by my roots and travels — bringing a splash of joy and global taste to every family meal.
