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A vibrant Christmas Salad is the crown jewel of any holiday table. With a burst of color and fresh flavors, it brings brightness to a plate filled with indulgent winter comfort foods. Think juicy pomegranate seeds like edible ornaments, crunchy greens, creamy feta, and candied pecans all tossed with a zesty homemade dressing. It’s festive, fresh, and unforgettable.

This salad isn’t just beautiful to look at; it balances sweet, savory, tangy, and nutty notes in a way that surprises and delights. Whether served as a light appetizer or alongside your holiday roast, it’s the kind of dish that guests return to for seconds—and ask for the recipe before they leave.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Salad

It’s an easy showstopper. The ingredients come together with minimal prep, but the final result feels sophisticated. Plus, it’s a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday fare. The bright pomegranate arils pop with juicy bursts, the arugula adds a peppery bite, and the creamy feta offers a cool, salty counterpoint. It’s also easy to adapt for different tastes or dietary preferences.

What Greens Work Best for Christmas Salad?

Arugula and baby spinach are a favorite base combo for their flavor and tender texture. If you prefer something more neutral, spring mix or even massaged kale can hold up well too. The key is choosing fresh, vibrant greens that contrast well with sweet fruits and tangy vinaigrette.

Ingredients for the Christmas Salad

To make a salad that truly shines, it all starts with bold and colorful ingredients. Here, every element has a purpose: texture, flavor, and visual appeal.

• Arugula – Offers a peppery bite that balances sweet ingredients.
• Baby Spinach – Mellow and tender, it rounds out the greens.
• Pomegranate Seeds – These ruby gems add festive sparkle and juicy pops.
• Feta Cheese – Creamy, salty, and perfect for contrast.
• Candied Pecans – Crunchy with a sweet glaze that feels like a treat.
• Pear Slices – Soft, sweet, and seasonal, they pair beautifully with cheese.
• Red Onion – Thinly sliced for a bit of zip and color.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette – A tangy dressing that ties everything together.

How To Make the Christmas Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Wash and dry your greens thoroughly. Mix arugula and baby spinach together in a large bowl for a flavorful foundation.

Step 2: Add the Color

Top the greens with pomegranate seeds, pear slices, and thin slices of red onion. Scatter them evenly so every bite gets a bit of each.

Step 3: Crumble and Crunch

Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top, followed by a generous handful of candied pecans for sweetness and crunch.

Step 4: Dress It Up

Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette right before serving, or serve on the side if you want guests to dress their own plates.

Step 5: Toss Gently

If pre-tossing, do it lightly to avoid bruising the greens and breaking the fruit. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

How to Serve and Store Your Christmas Salad

This festive salad serves about 6 people as a side dish. If you’re serving a large group, it scales up easily without losing its charm. To keep everything crisp, assemble the salad just before serving and hold off on dressing it until it hits the table. If you have leftovers, store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens.

What to Serve With Christmas Salad?

Roasted Turkey

This salad brings the brightness that roasted turkey craves. A perfect pairing.

Honey Glazed Ham

The sweet and salty notes of ham complement the fruity crunch of this salad.

Baked Brie

Serve alongside warm baked brie for a luxe appetizer experience.

Butternut Squash Soup

Creamy soup and crisp salad is a textural dream.

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Keep the seasonal theme going with a cozy vegetarian dish.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

The zing of balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness of mashed potatoes.

Savory Herb Dressing

This salad adds brightness to traditional stuffing.

Cranberry Meatballs

Sweet and tangy meatballs echo the festive flavors of the salad.

Want More Salad Ideas for Special Occasions?

If you’re a fan of this Christmas Salad, don’t miss out on these vibrant and creative options:

• Classic Caprese Salad Recipe for summer freshness year-round.
• Roasted Asparagus Recipe for a warm veggie side.
• Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese if you’re leaning into indulgence.
• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for something hearty and vegetarian.
• Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl to pair protein and greens in one bowl.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it when planning your festive meals.

Let me know in the comments if you swapped out pears for apples or used goat cheese instead of feta. I love seeing how these dishes evolve in your kitchens.

Explore beautifully curated holiday and healthy dishes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite!

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