Christmas Salad

This Christmas salad is a colorful, festive dish that feels light, fresh, and cheerful on the holiday table. People love it because it combines crisp vegetables, sweet fruits, and a tangy dressing for a balance of flavors. It’s perfect for family gatherings, casual dinners, or even as a side for holiday meals. I usually start by washing and chopping all the ingredients so they’re ready to mix together easily. The combination of textures and colors makes this salad feel special without needing complicated steps. It’s a cozy, practical way to add brightness and freshness to winter meals.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Christmas salad is easy to prepare and visually inviting, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and festive occasions. It’s flexible—you can use seasonal fruits or vegetables based on what’s available. The flavors are balanced, with sweet, tart, and crisp elements in every bite. Leftovers keep well for a few hours, so you can prep ahead. The recipe is budget-friendly, yet it feels bright and celebratory, perfect for a family table. Whether you want a light side dish or a refreshing centerpiece, this Christmas salad adds cheer, convenience, and a touch of holiday magic to your meals.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use fresh, crisp vegetables and firm fruits for the best texture.

  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1 apple, diced
  • ½ cup walnuts, chopped
  • ½ cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Wash and dry all greens thoroughly. Dice the apple, chop walnuts, and remove seeds from the pomegranate. Keep each ingredient separate to make assembling the salad easier.

Step 2: Main Mixing Process
In a large bowl, combine romaine, spinach, pomegranate seeds, apple, walnuts, and cranberries. Toss gently so the ingredients are evenly distributed and the colors stay vibrant.

Step 3: Adding Cheese and Dressing
Sprinkle feta cheese on top. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle dressing over the salad evenly.

Step 4: Final Toss & Serving
Toss the salad gently to coat all ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately for crisp texture and bright flavors, or chill briefly to blend flavors slightly.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This Christmas salad is quick to assemble, requires no cooking, and uses simple ingredients. You can prep fruits and nuts ahead of time and toss them together just before serving. Leftovers stay fresh for a few hours, making it ideal for holiday meal prep or a last-minute addition to any table.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep fruits fresh: Dice apples just before serving or toss in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • Evenly chop nuts: Larger pieces can dominate the salad. Chop walnuts consistently to ensure every bite has a balance of flavors.
  • Control sweetness: Taste cranberries and adjust honey in the dressing if needed. Some dried cranberries are sweeter than others.
  • Toss gently: Overmixing can bruise fruits and wilt greens. Fold ingredients carefully to maintain a crisp, colorful salad.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add cooked chicken or turkey slices for protein. This makes the salad more filling while keeping the bright, festive flavors intact.

Vegetarian Option
Keep it meat-free but add roasted chickpeas or tofu cubes for texture and extra protein, making it a satisfying vegetarian side.

Ingredient Swap
Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds and cranberries with raisins for different textures and flavor notes while keeping the festive look.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add fresh mint or parsley to the greens for a refreshing herbal note. This lightly lifts flavors and complements sweet and tangy elements.

Serving Suggestions

  • Holiday Side Dish
    Pair with roasted meats or casseroles to add freshness and balance to rich dishes.
  • Family Meal Bowl
    Serve in a large bowl for family-style dining. Everyone can help themselves to a colorful, crisp portion.
  • Snack Plate Addition
    Include in a snack platter with cheese and crackers. It brings color, freshness, and sweetness to casual gatherings.
  • Light Lunch Option
    Top with extra feta or nuts for a light, satisfying holiday lunch. Serve alongside bread or wraps for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage
    Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Keep dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent wilting.
  • Refrigerated Serving
    Chill briefly before serving. Gently toss to redistribute dressing and juices without crushing fruits.
  • Freezing
    Not recommended; freezing will damage the greens and fruits.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    Prep pomegranate seeds, nuts, and chopped apples in advance. Combine just before serving to keep the salad crisp and vibrant.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5–10 minutes (optional)
  • Total Time: 20–25 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 180–220 per serving
Protein: 4–6 g
Key nutrients include fiber and vitamin C. Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, prep the fruits and nuts, but add dressing and soft fruits just before serving.

Tossing too early; it can wilt greens and soften fruits.

Yes, swap apples or pomegranate with pears, oranges, or other seasonal fruits.

Juicy fruits release liquid; toss gently and serve quickly.

Best consumed within 24 hours in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Christmas salad is festive, colorful, and easy to make, bringing freshness and brightness to any holiday table. You can customize fruits, nuts, or herbs based on what you have at home. It’s quick to prepare, visually cheerful, and a crowd-pleasing side for family meals or holiday gatherings. The balance of sweet, tart, and crisp elements makes this Christmas salad a versatile, light, and satisfying addition to your celebrations. Whether served as a side or a light lunch, it’s practical, fresh, and full of seasonal charm, making it a dish you’ll return to year after year.

Christmas Salad
Print

Christmas Salad

Recipe by Edan Salamon
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

200

kcal

A bright, colorful salad with crisp greens, fruits, nuts, and feta. Perfect for holiday meals or quick festive snacks.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups romaine lettuce

  • 1 cup spinach leaves

  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds

  • 1 apple, diced

  • ½ cup walnuts, chopped

  • ½ cup cranberries

  • ½ cup feta cheese

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Wash and chop all greens and fruits. Keep ingredients separate.
  • Combine romaine, spinach, pomegranate, apple, walnuts, and cranberries in a large bowl.
  • Sprinkle feta cheese on top. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper; drizzle over salad.
  • Toss gently to coat and serve immediately, or chill briefly for flavors to blend.

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