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

Introduction

This Winter Salad is a vibrant mix of fresh greens, juicy citrus, and tangy feta, all tossed with a sweet and tangy honey-Dijon dressing. Perfect for chilly days, it brings a refreshing and colorful touch to your meal.

Ingredients

• 7 cups mixed spring greens
• 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarin, oranges, clementines, or tangerines)
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or substitute dried cranberries)
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 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 shallot, minced
• 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 the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad to taste, then gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture. You may have leftover dressing, which can be stored for later use.

Tips & Variations

• To add extra crunch, try substituting candied pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds.
• For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
• Dried cranberries can be an excellent substitute for pomegranate seeds if fresh ones are unavailable.

Storage

Store any leftover salad ingredients separately from the dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can be kept refrigerated for up to a week. To reassemble, toss the salad with dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

It’s best to prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately in advance. Toss them together just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.

What can I use if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor in the dressing.

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 119 reviews

A refreshing and vibrant Winter Salad featuring a mix of spring greens, citrus segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and candied pecans, all tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon dressing. Perfect for a light, healthy meal or a festive side dish during the colder months.

• Author: Amaya
• 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 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

1. Prepare salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mixed spring greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and roughly chopped candied pecans.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3. Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture to your taste. Gently toss everything together to ensure an even coating of the dressing on all ingredients.
4. Serve immediately: Serve the salad right away to enjoy the fresh crispness of the greens and the vibrant flavors of the dressing. Any leftover dressing can be stored for later use.

Notes

• You can substitute pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries if fresh ones are unavailable.
• Adjust the amount of dressing according to personal preference; you might have dressing left over.
• For a nut-free version, omit the candied pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Make sure to use fresh citrus segments without pith for the best flavor and texture.

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