If you’re searching for a vibrant, fresh, and festive dish to brighten up your holiday table, this Christmas Salad with Pomegranate, Goat Cheese, and Candied Pecans Recipe is an absolute must-try. Featuring a delightful mix of crisp greens, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, creamy goat cheese, and the irresistible crunch of candied pecans, this salad sings with seasonal cheer. It’s the perfect balance of tart, sweet, savory, and crunchy that will keep your guests raving long after the last bite.

Christmas Salad with Pomegranate, Goat Cheese, and Candied Pecans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, yet essential ingredients is all you need to create a salad that dazzles both in flavor and appearance. Each component contributes something unique—whether it’s the crisp bite of apples, the tanginess of goat cheese, or the sweet crunch of candied pecans—to make every forkful a joyous celebration.

Mixed greens (5 cups): A colorful base of baby spinach, arugula, and spring mix provides fresh texture and bright flavor.
Pomegranate seeds (1/2 cup): These add festive pops of juicy tartness and gorgeous ruby color to the salad.
Crumbled goat cheese (1/2 cup): Creamy and slightly tangy, goat cheese adds richness and depth.
Candied pecans (1/2 cup): Sweet and crunchy, they deliver the perfect holiday crunch and a hint of caramelized flavor.
Thinly sliced red apple or pear (1/2 cup): Provides a crisp, sweet contrast to the creamy and nutty ingredients.
Thinly sliced red onion (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a subtle bite and slight sharpness that balances the salad beautifully.
Olive oil (1/4 cup): Creates a silky base for the homemade dressing.
Balsamic or apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings acid and brightness to the dressing.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
Maple syrup or honey (1 tablespoon): Sweetens the dressing gently for holiday warmth.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Christmas Salad with Pomegranate, Goat Cheese, and Candied Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Start with a large mixing bowl and toss together the mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, crumbled goat cheese, candied pecans, sliced apples or pears, and red onion if you’re using it. This colorful combination is the very essence of festive freshness and texture contrast.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small jar or bowl, vigorously whisk olive oil, balsamic or apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and beautifully emulsified. This dressing is the perfect marriage of tangy and sweet that ties the entire salad together.

Step 3: Dress and Toss Gently

Drizzle the dressing over your salad just before serving, and toss everything gently but thoroughly so each leaf and ingredient gets a delightful coat without bruising the greens. The fresh ingredients blend with the dressing to create a harmonious bite every time.

How to Serve Christmas Salad with Pomegranate, Goat Cheese, and Candied Pecans Recipe

Garnishes

Consider a few finishing touches to make your salad even more festive: a sprinkle of extra candied pecans on top for added crunch, a few more pomegranate seeds for bright bursts of color, or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for a hint of spice.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs exceptionally well with classic holiday mains such as roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a hearty lentil loaf. If you want a vegetarian treat, serve it alongside roasted butternut squash or a creamy pumpkin risotto for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, spread the salad on a large wooden board or in a festive bowl. You can also assemble individual servings in clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful layers of greens, pomegranate, and cheese. Adding delicate edible flowers or microgreens elevates the visual appeal and the flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting. Combine just before serving the next day to enjoy that fresh, crisp texture again.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate greens and creamy cheese. However, you can make and freeze the dressing separately if you want to save time later.

Reheating

There is no need to reheat this salad. Instead, serve it cold or at room temperature to fully appreciate the fresh flavors and contrasting textures.

FAQs

Can I substitute the goat cheese with another type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feta cheese works beautifully as an alternative, offering a similar tangy creaminess that complements the salad ingredients.

How do I make candied pecans at home?

Simply toss pecans with a mixture of sugar and a pinch of salt, then toast them in a skillet until caramelized and crunchy. Let them cool before adding to your salad.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, swap the goat cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Prepare all ingredients separately and keep the dressing and apples or pears aside until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.

What proteins pair well with this Christmas Salad with Pomegranate, Goat Cheese, and Candied Pecans Recipe?

Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even savory roasted chickpeas add a satisfying protein boost, turning this salad into a filling meal.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Salad with Pomegranate, Goat Cheese, and Candied Pecans Recipe is more than just a salad—it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors and textures in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a standout at your holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you bring this dish to the table, it’ll be a new holiday favorite that brings smiles and happy conversations around every bite.

Christmas Salad with Pomegranate, Goat Cheese, and Candied Pecans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 73 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Christmas Salad Recipe is a vibrant and festive dish combining mixed greens, sweet pomegranate seeds, tangy goat cheese or feta, crunchy candied nuts, and crisp apple or pear slices. Tossed with a light, homemade vinaigrette featuring olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures ideal for holiday gatherings or a refreshing side dish year-round.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

5 cups mixed greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, and spring mix)
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup thinly sliced red apple or pear
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)

Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, crumbled goat cheese or feta, candied pecans or walnuts, thinly sliced red apple or pear, and red onion if using to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures.
Prepare Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, along with salt and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well emulsified.
Toss and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly and serve immediately for the freshest taste and crisp texture.

Notes

This festive salad can be prepped ahead of time by keeping the dressing and sliced apples separate until ready to serve to prevent wilting and browning.
For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken or roasted butternut squash to the salad.
Use either goat cheese or feta based on personal preference for tanginess and texture.
Candied nuts add a lovely crunch and sweetness; substitute with plain nuts if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American