Yummy Christmas Salad – Fresh, Festive & Bursting With Holiday Flavor

Yummy Christmas Salad – Fresh, Festive & Bursting With Holiday Flavor

This Yummy Christmas Salad is bright, fresh, colorful, and packed with festive flavors that perfectly balance rich holiday mains. With crisp greens, juicy fruit, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad brings a refreshing pop to any Christmas table. It’s simple, beautiful, and incredibly flavorful — the kind of dish that makes everyone reach for seconds. Perfect alongside turkey, beef, chicken, or as a light holiday lunch on its own.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Servings: 3 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Salad Base

6 cups mixed spring greens or baby spinach
1 cup pomegranate arils
1 cup mandarin orange segments fresh or canned, drained
½ cup thinly sliced cucumbers
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
½ cup feta or goat cheese crumbled
½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts or almonds

Citrus Honey Dressing

3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

Diced avocado
Dried cranberries
Apple slices
Roasted sweet potatoes small cubes

Equipment

Large salad bowl
Small mixing bowl (for dressing)
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl whisk together:
olive oil
orange juice
lemon juice
honey
Dijon mustard
salt
pepper
Whisk until smooth and emulsified.
Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.

Step 2: Build the Salad

In a large bowl, layer:

Mixed greens or spinach
Pomegranate arils
Mandarin orange slices
Cucumbers
Red onions
Crumbled cheese
Toasted pecans
Keep ingredients layered if serving later — toss just before serving.

Step 3: Toss & Serve

Right before serving:
Drizzle dressing over the salad
Toss gently
Top with extra pomegranate or nuts for decoration
Serve immediately.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

Dressing: store separately up to 1 week

Salad base: store undressed up to 1 day

Do not pre-toss — greens will wilt

To prep ahead:
Assemble everything except nuts and dressing. Add them right before serving.

🥄 Variations

Cranberry Christmas Salad
Add dried cranberries + apples.

Pomegranate & Pear Salad
Replace oranges with sliced pears.

Nut-Free Version
Use toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

Creamy Dressing Option
Mix yogurt + honey + lemon + olive oil.

Sweet Potato Holiday Salad
Add roasted sweet potato cubes for warmth.

Balsamic Christmas Salad
Use balsamic + honey dressing instead.

Mint Citrus Salad
Add fresh chopped mint for brightness.

Goat Cheese & Fig Salad
Use figs (fresh or dried) + goat cheese.

Avocado Christmas Salad
Add diced avocado for creaminess.

Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad
Add sliced apples + cranberries + feta.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but keep dressing separate until serving.

What greens work best?
Spring mix, baby spinach, or arugula.

Can I use canned mandarin oranges?
Yes — drain well.

What cheese is best?
Feta or goat cheese for tang.

How do I toast nuts?
Bake at 350°F for 6–8 minutes or toast in a skillet.

Can I use bottled dressing?
Yes — balsamic or citrus vinaigrette.

How do I keep apples from browning?
Toss in lemon juice.

Can this salad be vegan?
Yes — use maple syrup instead of honey and vegan cheese.

Can I add protein?
Yes — grilled chicken or turkey slices.

Why pomegranate?
Adds color, crunch, and holiday sparkle.

🏁 Conclusion

This Yummy Christmas Salad is fresh, crisp, vibrant, and full of holiday cheer. The juicy pomegranate, bright citrus, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that complement any festive meal. Easy to make and stunning to serve, it’s a holiday essential you’ll return to year after year.