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

Introduction

This Winter Salad is a refreshing and vibrant mix of crisp greens, juicy citrus, and tangy pomegranate seeds, topped with creamy feta and crunchy candied pecans. It’s perfectly balanced with a sweet and tangy dressing that brightens up any meal during the colder months.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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 spring 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.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad to taste and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately. Any leftover dressing can be stored for later use.

Tips & Variations

• Use dried cranberries if fresh pomegranate seeds are unavailable for a similar tart flavor.
• Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and richness.
• Replace candied pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds for a nutty twist.
• Chill the salad ingredients before serving to keep it crisp and refreshing.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing refrigerated for up to one week. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to maintain crisp textures.

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 and dressing separately and combine them just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use goat cheese or even a crumbly blue cheese for a different flavor, or omit it altogether if you prefer a dairy-free version.

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 136 reviews

This vibrant Winter Salad combines the fresh and crisp tastes of mixed spring greens with sweet orange segments, tangy pomegranate seeds, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans. Tossed in a homemade honey-Dijon dressing featuring olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallots, this salad is perfect for a refreshing, healthy, and colorful meal or side dish during the colder months.

• Author: Lena
• 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 (canned) or substitute with 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 the Salad Ingredients: Place the mixed spring greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and roughly chopped candied pecans into a large salad bowl, ensuring all components are evenly combined.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the dressing becomes smooth and emulsified.
3. Toss and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture to your preferred taste. Gently toss all ingredients together to coat the salad evenly without bruising the delicate greens. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its freshness. Any leftover dressing can be saved for future use.

Notes

• Substitute pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries if fresh seeds are unavailable.
• Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing to achieve desired sweetness.
• Candied pecans can be replaced with any other preferred nuts, but they should be candied for the sweet crunch.
• For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or replace with a plant-based alternative, and use agave syrup in place of honey.
• This salad is best served fresh as the greens may wilt if dressed too far in advance.

Keywords: Winter Salad, mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, candied pecans, honey Dijon dressing, healthy salad, vegetarian