Winter Salad with Citrus, Pomegranate, Feta, and Candied Pecans Recipe
This refreshing Winter Salad combines vibrant mixed spring greens with juicy orange segments, tangy pomegranate seeds, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a smooth honey-Dijon apple cider vinegar dressing. It’s a perfect light and flavorful dish ideal for the colder months, offering a balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors with a satisfying crunch.
- 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
Salad Ingredients
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarin, oranges, clementines, or tangerines)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (canned or substitute dried cranberries)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 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. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallot until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Toss the Salad with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture gradually, tossing gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Add dressing to taste, as you may not need to use it all.
- Serve Immediately: Once tossed, serve the salad right away to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- If fresh pomegranate seeds are unavailable, dried cranberries make a tasty substitute.
- Candied pecans add a sweet crunch, but you can substitute with toasted walnuts or almonds if desired.
- For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- This salad is best served fresh as the dressing can cause the greens to wilt if left too long.
- The dressing can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Winter salad, mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, candied pecans, honey-Dijon dressing, healthy salad, vegetarian
