Description
A vibrant and festive winter salad featuring mixed greens, juicy orange segments, tart pomegranate seeds, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a tangy homemade honey-Dijon dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a light, healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarin, oranges, clementines, or tangerines)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (can substitute dried cranberries)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
For the Dressing
- 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 base. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped candied pecans. Gently mix to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss the salad. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad to taste. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate greens.
- Serve immediately. Transfer the tossed salad to individual plates or a large serving bowl and serve at once to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors. Dressing left over can be stored for future use.
Notes
- You can substitute dried cranberries for pomegranate seeds if fresh pomegranate is unavailable.
- Candied pecans add a sweet crunch; for a nut-free option, omit or substitute with roasted seeds.
- For a citrus twist, try using clementines or tangerines in place of mandarins.
- The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; whisk again before use.
- Serve the salad immediately after tossing to maintain the crispness of the greens.
