Dessert

Festive Citrus Pomegranate Salad with Feta and Candied Pecans Recipe

ByElena Hart November 1, 2025November 1, 2025

Introduction

This Christmas Salad is a festive and refreshing mix perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining vibrant fruits, crunchy nuts, and tangy feta, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

A white bowl filled with a colorful layered salad, starting with a base of mixed leafy greens including green kale, spinach, and red-veined chard, creating a fresh, textured green layer. On top, bright orange mandarin segments add a juicy pop of color, scattered evenly throughout. Dark red pomegranate seeds are sprinkled around, adding small shiny bursts. Thin slices of purple-red onion are curved and spread lightly on the salad, adding a smooth texture. Glazed pecan halves with a glossy brown coating are placed here and there, offering a crunchy element. Small bits of white feta cheese sit among the greens, adding a soft, crumbly contrast. The entire salad is lightly sprinkled with tiny black poppy seeds. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups mixed greens
¼ cup red onion, sliced

1 cup mandarin oranges (or clementines)
½ cup pomegranate seeds

½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup candied pecans (or walnuts)

1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon poppyseeds

Kosher salt to taste
⅓ cup olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced red onion, mandarin oranges, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and candied pecans.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppyseeds, kosher salt, and olive oil until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, festive flavors.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free option, omit the candied pecans or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds.
Adding sliced avocado can add creaminess and extra nutrients to the salad.
Use fresh pomegranate seeds when possible for the best texture and flavor.

If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the honey by a tablespoon.

Storage

Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 1 day to maintain freshness. Re-toss with dressing before serving if stored separately. Avoid dressing the salad too far in advance to prevent wilting.