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