Winter Salad with Citrus, Pomegranate, Feta, and Candied Pecans Recipe
Introduction
This vibrant winter salad brings together crisp greens, sweet citrus, and tangy pomegranate for a refreshing dish perfect for chilly days. Topped with creamy feta and crunchy candied pecans, it’s both colorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 1/4 cups mandarin orange segments (or oranges, clementines, or tangerines)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (can substitute dried cranberries)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 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 minced shallot
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and candied pecans.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture to your taste and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Step 4: Serve the salad immediately. You may have some dressing left over for another use.
Tips & Variations
- For added texture, try swapping candied pecans for toasted walnuts or almonds.
- You can replace pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries if fresh seeds aren’t available.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate to let flavors meld before tossing with the salad.
Storage
Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing apart until ready to serve to prevent soggy greens. Reheat is not recommended; enjoy the salad fresh for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of greens for this salad?
Yes, feel free to substitute mixed spring greens with spinach, arugula, or kale based on your preference.
Is there a vegan option for this salad?
To make this salad vegan, omit the feta cheese and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing.
PrintWinter Salad with Citrus, Pomegranate, Feta, and Candied Pecans Recipe
This Winter Salad recipe combines fresh mixed spring greens with vibrant orange segments, tart pomegranate seeds, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans. Topped with a tangy honey-Dijon apple cider vinegar dressing, this salad offers a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for the colder months or anytime a crisp, flavorful salad is desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 1/4 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
For the Dressing
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the salad ingredients: Place the mixed spring greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and roughly chopped candied pecans into a large mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture to your liking. Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Note that you may have some dressing left over.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the salad to plates or a serving bowl and serve right away to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.
Notes
- You can substitute dried cranberries for pomegranate seeds if fresh seeds aren’t available.
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try toasting the pecans lightly before candying.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be prepped a little ahead by keeping the dressing separate until serving.
- Adjust the salt and pepper in the dressing to your personal taste preference.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Keywords: winter salad, mixed greens salad, orange salad, pomegranate salad, feta cheese salad, candied pecans salad, healthy salad, fresh salad, no-cook salad
