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