Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate, Feta, and Candied Pecans Recipe

Introduction

This vibrant Winter Salad combines fresh greens with juicy citrus, sweet pomegranate seeds, and tangy feta, making it a refreshing yet hearty option for chilly days. The homemade honey-Dijon dressing adds a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity to brighten the flavors.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mixed spring greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and chopped candied pecans.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture to taste, then gently toss to coat everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Serve the salad immediately. Any leftover dressing can be stored for later use.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the candied pecans and substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Swap pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries if fresh seeds are unavailable, offering a similar tart sweetness.
• Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
• Use blood oranges for a colorful and slightly sweeter twist on the citrus.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately if possible to maintain freshness. Keep the dressing refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 6 hours before the greens start to wilt. If needed, gently toss before serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. Tossing the greens too early with the dressing can cause them to become soggy.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

You can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar tangy flavor, or omit cheese entirely for a dairy-free option.

Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate, Feta, and Candied Pecans Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

A refreshing and vibrant winter salad featuring a mix of spring greens, citrus segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and candied pecans, all tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a festive side dish during the colder months.

• Author: Naya
• 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 1x2x3x

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

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

1. Prepare the salad ingredients: Place the mixed spring greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and roughly chopped candied pecans into a large salad bowl.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified.
3. Toss the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients to your preference. Gently toss everything together ensuring the greens and toppings are evenly coated with dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures.

Notes

• You can substitute pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries if fresh ones are unavailable.
• For a nut-free version, omit the candied pecans or replace them with toasted sunflower seeds.
• The salad is best served fresh to retain the crispness of the greens and juiciness of the citrus segments.
• Leftover dressing can be refrigerated up to 3 days and used for other salads or as a marinade.

Keywords: winter salad, citrus salad, spring greens, pomegranate, feta cheese, candied pecans, honey Dijon dressing, healthy salad