Bright Citrus Pomegranate Salad

This vibrant winter salad brings a burst of sunshine to your table with its colorful mix of sweet oranges, jeweled pomegranate seeds, tangy feta, and candied pecans. The homemade dressing ties everything together for a refreshing counterpoint to heavier holiday dishes.

I first created this salad when I needed something fresh to balance out our traditional Christmas dinner. It was such a hit that it's now requested at every family gathering from November through February.

Ingredients

• Mixed spring greens form the perfect backdrop for the vibrant toppings while adding nutritional value
• Orange segments add juicy sweetness and vitamin C use mandarin, clementines or tangerines for best flavor
• Pomegranate seeds provide jewel-like pops of color and antioxidant benefits look for bright red seeds that glisten
• Feta cheese contributes a salty tang that balances the sweet elements choose a block and crumble it yourself for best flavor
• Candied pecans add irresistible crunch and subtle sweetness select ones with an even glaze and robust flavor
• Olive oil creates the silky base for the dressing use extra virgin for best flavor
• Honey adds natural sweetness to balance the acidity local honey works beautifully here
• Dijon mustard provides the perfect emulsifier for the dressing and adds depth
• Apple cider vinegar brings brightness and tang choose unfiltered for added health benefits
• Minced shallot gives a gentle onion flavor without overwhelming select firm shallots with tight skin

Step-by-Step Instructions

Assemble the salad base

Start with fresh spring greens in a large bowl. Make sure they're completely dry after washing to help the dressing adhere properly. Layer in the orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and candied pecans in a visually appealing arrangement.

Prepare the dressing

Combine olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallot in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting sweetness or acidity as needed.

Dress and serve

Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving, using just enough to lightly coat the ingredients. Gently toss to ensure even distribution without bruising the delicate greens or crushing the oranges. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and visual appeal.

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The pomegranate seeds are my favorite part of this salad. Their ruby-like appearance makes the dish feel truly special, and I love the way they burst with sweet-tart juice when you bite into them. My grandmother always said a dish should please the eyes as well as the palate, and these little jewels certainly accomplish that.

Make-Ahead Tips

The beauty of this winter salad lies in its make-ahead potential. Prepare the dressing up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, let it come to room temperature and shake vigorously to recombine.

You can prep the oranges and pomegranate seeds the day before your gathering. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The candied pecans can be made or purchased several days ahead and kept in a sealed container at room temperature.

When ready to serve, simply combine all ingredients in a large bowl, add the dressing, and gently toss. This approach saves valuable time during busy holiday meal preparations.

Ingredient Substitutions

This salad is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand or personal preferences. For the fruit component, try swapping oranges for sliced apples, pears, or even persimmons during their brief winter season. Each brings its own unique sweetness and texture.

If pecans aren't your favorite, substitute with almonds, walnuts, or pistachios. Whether you choose roasted or candied varieties, the nuts provide essential crunch and richness. The cheese component is equally flexible. Blue cheese offers a more pronounced flavor, while shaved parmesan adds sophistication. For a milder option, try small mozzarella balls.

For those avoiding dairy, simply increase the nuts and add avocado for creamy richness. The dressing works beautifully with maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.

Serving Suggestions

This winter salad shines as part of a holiday spread but works equally well for everyday meals. For a complete dinner, serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon. The bright flavors complement rich proteins beautifully.

For an elegant presentation, arrange the salad on individual plates rather than serving family-style. This showcases the vibrant colors and prevents the delicate ingredients from getting lost at the bottom of a large bowl.

Consider serving on chilled plates for a refreshing contrast to warm main dishes. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or basil just before serving adds an aromatic dimension that elevates the entire dish.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this winter salad ahead of time?

Yes! Make the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The oranges and pomegranate seeds can be prepped up to one day ahead. When ready to serve, simply combine all ingredients with the mixed greens, add the dressing, and toss.

→ What are good substitutions for the fruits and nuts?

For fruit, try apples, pears or persimmons instead of oranges. The candied pecans can be swapped for almonds, walnuts or cashews (either roasted or candied). Pomegranate seeds can be substituted with dried cranberries for convenience.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While feta provides a nice tangy contrast, you can substitute blue cheese, shaved parmesan, ricotta salata or small mozzarella balls depending on your preference.

→ What's the best type of orange to use in this salad?

Small, sweet oranges like mandarins, clementines or tangerines work best. Fresh oranges provide better texture than canned varieties, but canned mandarin oranges can be used as a time-saving alternative.

→ How can I save time when making this salad?

Purchase pre-washed mixed greens, pre-packaged pomegranate seeds, and store-bought candied pecans. For the cheese, pre-crumbled feta is convenient, though a block of feta crumbled at home typically has better flavor without anti-caking agents.

→ What other ingredients can I add to this salad?

This versatile salad can be enhanced with shaved fennel, thinly sliced red onions, avocado chunks, or dried cranberries for additional flavor and texture elements.