Bright, crisp, and beautifully festive, this Christmas Salad brings seasonal joy to any holiday table. With vibrant greens, juicy mandarin oranges, ruby-red pomegranate seeds, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta, every bite bursts with color and flavor. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, salty, and nutty – and it comes together in minutes.

Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or need a fresh side dish to break up all the rich holiday mains, this salad offers a refreshing contrast. It’s a crowd-pleaser that balances indulgence with nourishment, making it a go-to Christmas recipe for both presentation and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Salad

This salad isn’t just a looker – it’s loaded with flavor and texture. From the zing of the citrus to the crunch of pecans and pop of pomegranate, every forkful feels like a festive celebration. It also happens to be:

Ready in under 15 minutes
Naturally gluten-free
Easily adaptable to what you have on hand
Light yet satisfying

Make it a staple on your holiday menu, and don’t be surprised when guests ask for the recipe.

What Kind of Greens Should I Use?

A spring mix or baby spinach blend works beautifully for this salad. They offer a tender base that complements the bold toppings without overwhelming them. You can also mix in some arugula for peppery depth or add romaine for extra crunch. Keep it fresh and well-dried so the dressing clings to every leaf.

Ingredients for the Christmas Salad

Each ingredient in this salad plays a flavorful role that contributes to the festive harmony of the dish:

Mixed greens: The leafy foundation of the salad, adding freshness and vibrant color.
Mandarin oranges: Sweet and juicy, these add a burst of citrusy brightness.
Pomegranate seeds: Offer a juicy pop and jewel-like appearance that makes the salad shine.
Candied or toasted pecans: Add crunch and a warm, nutty note to contrast the sweet elements.
Feta cheese: Crumbled over the top for salty, creamy richness that balances the sweetness.
Red onion (optional): Thinly sliced, adds a mild bite that enhances the flavor contrast.
Dressing (balsamic vinaigrette or citrus vinaigrette): Ties all the flavors together with a tangy finish.

How To Make the Christmas Salad

Step 1: Start with a Fresh Base

Place a generous amount of spring mix or your favorite greens in a large serving bowl. Make sure the greens are dry to prevent sogginess.

Step 2: Layer the Color

Top the greens with mandarin orange segments and a good handful of pomegranate seeds. These fruits will add juicy brightness and holiday color.

Step 3: Add Crunch and Creaminess

Sprinkle on the toasted or candied pecans and crumbled feta cheese. If you’re using red onion, add a few thin slices here.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle your chosen vinaigrette lightly over the top just before serving. Toss gently so the dressing coats the greens without bruising them.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a platter or leave in the bowl. Serve immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.

Serving and Storing This Christmas Salad

This recipe yields enough for 6 to 8 people as a side dish, making it perfect for your holiday spread. Serve it right after tossing with the dressing to preserve the crunch of the greens.

If you need to prep ahead, keep all ingredients separate and assemble just before serving. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 1 day, though the greens may wilt slightly. Avoid dressing leftovers to maintain the best texture.

What to Serve With Christmas Salad?

Roasted Turkey or Chicken

The citrus and pomegranate notes cut through the richness of roasted meats beautifully.

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Perfect for a vegetarian-friendly holiday plate.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

The freshness of the salad balances the richness of a baked pasta dish.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

A hearty option that pairs wonderfully with crisp greens.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Make your appetizer spread even more festive with this colorful combo.

Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs

These bold bites get a refreshing contrast from the salad’s zing.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Balance sweet and savory on your plate for a harmonious holiday meal.

Want More Salad Ideas for the Holidays?

If this festive mix made your table shine, you’ll love these other vibrant, seasonal salads:

Avocado Egg and Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Herbs for a protein-packed winter lunch.
Italian Grinder Salad when you’re craving deli-style flavor with crunch.
Colourful Rainbow Bean Salad for a plant-based bowl of texture and zing.
Classic Chicken Salad for all-year-round flavor.
Orange Dreamsicle Salad if you’re after a sweet and nostalgic holiday treat.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so it’s right there when you need it most.

And let me know in the comments how you made it yours. Did you swap in goat cheese? Try a honey-lime dressing? Did your guests love the pop of pomegranate?

I love seeing your creations. Questions are welcome too—let’s keep the inspiration flowing.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and festive meal ideas on Nora Nosh Recipes Pinterest and discover your next go-to holiday dish!

Christmas Salad

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Bring holiday cheer to your table with this vibrant Christmas Salad. It’s a colorful medley of mixed greens, sweet mandarin oranges, juicy pomegranate seeds, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta. Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy recipe is the perfect light side for rich Christmas dishes. Whether you’re planning holiday dinners or looking for easy dinner ideas, this quick salad adds freshness and flair to any meal. Packed with nutrients and flavor, it’s ideal for anyone seeking healthy snacks or festive food ideas.