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

Introduction

This vibrant winter salad combines fresh mixed greens with juicy citrus, tangy pomegranate seeds, and creamy feta cheese. Topped with candied pecans and a honey-mustard dressing, it’s a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for the 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 (or 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 the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture to your liking, then gently toss to coat everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately for the freshest taste. Any leftover dressing can be saved for another use.

Tips & Variations

• Swap pomegranate seeds for dried cranberries if fresh pomegranate isn’t available.
• For added protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas.
• Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch.
• Make the dressing ahead of time and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Storage

Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, except for the dressing, which should be kept chilled as well. Prepared salad is best eaten within 1 day to maintain freshness. Gently re-toss before serving if the greens settle. Reheating is not recommended as the salad is served cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular oranges instead of mandarins?

Yes, regular oranges work well. Just peel and segment them to avoid any bitterness from the pith.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

The salad includes feta cheese and honey, which are not vegan. To make it vegan, omit the cheese and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 104 reviews

A refreshing and vibrant winter salad combining mixed greens, citrus orange segments, pomegranate seeds, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet apple cider vinaigrette dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish during the colder months.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 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 the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed spring greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped candied pecans ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Make the Dressing: 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 dressing is smooth and emulsified.
3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture to your preferred taste, then gently toss the salad to evenly coat the ingredients without bruising the delicate greens.
4. Serve: Serve the winter salad immediately for optimal freshness and flavor. Any leftover dressing can be saved and refrigerated for later use.

Notes

• You can substitute pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries if fresh seeds are not available.
• Use candied pecans for a sweet crunch, or substitute with toasted walnuts or almonds for a different texture.
• Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing to balance sweetness according to your preference.
• This salad is best served fresh, as the greens may wilt if dressed too far in advance.
• For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Keywords: winter salad, mixed greens, citrus salad, pomegranate, feta cheese, candied pecans, healthy salad, vegetarian salad