Winter Salad brings a refreshing burst of vibrant flavors and colors to your table during the colder months. The combination of juicy citrus, crunchy candied pecans, and tangy feta delivers a harmony of textures and tastes, making it a perfect festive dish.
This salad is easy to prepare and complements holiday menus beautifully. With a bright homemade dressing tied together with a hint of honey and Dijon mustard, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both special and wholesome.
- A bright and flavorful salad perfect for winter gatherings and holiday meals.
- Combines sweet, tangy, and savory elements for balanced taste.
- Quick to prepare with fresh and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- Mixed Spring Greens: A mix of tender leafy greens, providing a fresh base with varying textures and mild flavors.
- Mandarin Orange Segments: Juicy citrus pieces adding natural sweetness and a refreshing burst of flavor to the salad.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Vibrant, jewel-like seeds offering a tart crunch and festive color; dried cranberries can be used instead.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled creamy and salty cheese enhancing the salad with a tangy richness.
- Candied Pecans: Roughly chopped pecans coated in sweet glaze, adding crunch and a caramelized flavor.
- Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity oil that serves as the base of the homemade dressing.
- Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the acidity of the dressing while adding depth.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, slightly spicy note to complement the dressing’s flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a tangy acidity that brightens and lifts the dressing.
- Shallot: Finely minced mild onion adding subtle savory undertones to the dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: Seasonings that enhance and balance all flavors in the dressing and salad.
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients
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Start by placing the mixed spring greens, mandarin orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and candied pecans into a large mixing bowl. This base combines various textures and flavors that create the salad’s vibrant character.
- Whisk Dressing Components
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. This creates a well-balanced dressing that ties the salad elements together.
- Toss Salad with Dressing
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Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients gradually, tossing gently to ensure everything is evenly coated without bruising the delicate greens. The dressing infuses each bite with a mix of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Serve Immediately
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For the freshest texture and taste, serve the salad right after tossing. This ensures the greens remain crisp and the flavors vibrant, making it an ideal starter or side for any meal.
- The dressing can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days to save time.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best flavor and texture in the salad.
- Adjust dressing quantities to taste; some may prefer a lighter or more tangy flavor.
Storage Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store the components separately—greens in a sealed container and dressing refrigerated—for up to 1 day. Toss together just before serving to maintain crispness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Winter Salad with roasted meats or as a fresh side for holiday dinners. It also works wonderfully alongside warm soups or as a light lunch option with crusty bread.
- For an extra crunch, toast pecans lightly before candying for richer flavor.
- Use fresh citrus segments rather than canned for maximum brightness.
- Gently pat pomegranate seeds dry to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
FAQs
- Can I use other citrus fruits instead of mandarins?
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Yes, you may substitute with oranges, clementines, or tangerines depending on availability and preference. Each adds a slightly different sweetness and acidity.
- What can I use instead of candied pecans?
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Walnuts or almonds candied in a similar way work well. For a nut-free option, toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower can be used.
- Is there a vegan option for this salad?
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Replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing to make it vegan-friendly.
- Can the dressing be stored separately?
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Yes, the dressing can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?
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Serve the salad immediately after tossing with the dressing and store ingredients separately if preparing in advance. Pat dry any wet ingredients before combining.
Winter Mixed Greens Salad
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 small bowl
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 1/4 cups mandarin orange segments or clementines or tangerines
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds or 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
- Combine mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and candied pecans in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, reserving any leftover dressing.
Notes
- Use fresh seasonal citrus for best flavor.
- Substitute dried cranberries if pomegranate is unavailable.
- Dress salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Store leftover dressing separately in refrigerator up to 3 days.
