Winter Salad with Citrus, Pomegranate, Feta, and Candied Pecans Recipe

Introduction

This refreshing Winter Salad combines crisp mixed greens with sweet citrus and tangy feta, enhanced by crunchy candied pecans. A vibrant dressing ties all the flavors together, making it a perfect light meal or festive side dish in colder months.

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

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and chopped candied pecans.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad to your desired taste, then gently toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately. You may have leftover dressing that can be refrigerated for later use.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries for a sweeter touch and longer shelf life.
• Use toasted walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch and flavor.
• For a vegan option, replace feta cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it entirely.
• Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to keep greens fresh and crisp. The dressing can be kept for up to one week refrigerated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

It’s best to keep the dressing and salad ingredients separate until just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting. Prepare and refrigerate the dressing ahead of time, and combine everything when ready to eat.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.

Winter Salad with Citrus, Pomegranate, Feta, and Candied Pecans Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews

This refreshing Winter Salad combines mixed spring greens with juicy mandarin orange segments, vibrant pomegranate seeds, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon vinaigrette. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors for a light and healthy meal or side dish during the colder months.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 crumbled feta cheese
• 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 minced shallot
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad: Place the mixed spring greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped candied pecans in a large mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, and salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
3. Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture to your taste preference. Gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Notes

• The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; whisk again before use.
• Substitute dried cranberries for pomegranate seeds if fresh seeds are unavailable.
• Candied pecans add a sweet crunch; you may use toasted pecans and drizzle with honey as an alternative.
• For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the greens and texture of the ingredients.

Keywords: winter salad, spring greens salad, citrus salad, pomegranate salad, feta salad, healthy salad, no-cook salad, easy salad recipe, holiday salad