Holiday meals are often full of rich, cozy dishes — creamy potatoes, buttery rolls, hearty casseroles, and decadent desserts. But every Christmas table deserves at least one bright, refreshing, vibrant dish that balances all that comfort food. This Christmas Salad with Citrus & Pomegranate is exactly that. It’s light, colorful, bursting with seasonal flavors, and absolutely beautiful.

With juicy citrus slices, ruby-red pomegranate seeds, crisp greens, creamy feta, and crunchy candied pecans, this salad feels like winter sunshine in a bowl. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, tart, fresh, and savory. Drizzled with a simple homemade citrus-honey vinaigrette, it becomes a showstopping side dish that complements holiday mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, beef tenderloin, or even holiday salmon.

Even better? This salad requires zero cooking, comes together quickly, and looks like something straight from a holiday magazine. It’s great for Christmas dinner, winter brunches, New Year’s parties, or anytime you want a seasonal dish that tastes as good as it looks.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about making the perfect festive citrus salad — from ingredients to variations and make-ahead tips.

---

Why This Christmas Salad Works So Well

✔ Stunning Holiday Colors

The mix of oranges, dark greens, and bright pomegranate looks like Christmas in a bowl.

✔ Fresh & Light

It cuts through heavy holiday food and refreshes the palate.

✔ Seasonal Winter Ingredients

Citrus and pomegranates taste their best this time of year.

✔ No Cooking Required

Fast, easy, and foolproof.

✔ Customizable

Swap cheeses, greens, nuts, or add protein.

---

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 6 cups mixed greens (spring mix or arugula/spinach blend)
• 2 oranges, peeled and sliced (navel or blood orange)
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup candied pecans (or walnuts)

For the Citrus-Honey Vinaigrette

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

1. Peel and slice the oranges.
2. Remove pomegranate seeds if using a whole fruit.
3. Slice the red onion thinly.

2. Assemble the Salad

1. Place greens in a large serving bowl.
2. Add orange slices, pomegranate seeds, red onion, feta, and pecans.

3. Make the Dressing

1. Whisk olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper.

4. Serve

1. Drizzle half the dressing over the salad.
2. Toss lightly and serve with extra dressing on the side.

---

Tips for the Best Holiday Citrus Salad

Use a Mix of Citrus

Navel oranges + mandarins + blood oranges create beautiful color.

Slice the Citrus Cleanly

Use a sharp knife so segments look neat and glossy.

Add Dressing Just Before Serving

Keeps greens crisp and fresh.

Use Candied Nuts

The sweet crunch is key to rounding out the salad.

Optional Boost: Fresh Herbs

Mint or basil adds freshness and perfume.

---

Delicious Variations

Cranberry Citrus Salad

Add dried cranberries or fresh sugared cranberries.

Goat Cheese Instead of Feta

Creamy and tangy—great with citrus.

Avocado Citrus Salad

Add sliced avocado right before serving.

Maple Vinaigrette

Swap honey for maple syrup for a winter twist.

Protein Additions

• Grilled chicken
• Roasted salmon
• Leftover turkey slices
• Prosciutto

---

Serving Suggestions

• Christmas Eve dinner
• Christmas brunch
• New Year’s gatherings
• Winter potlucks
• Holiday charcuterie boards
• As a fresh contrast to roast meats

---

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

✔ Prep ingredients separately

Citrus, nuts, and greens keep well when stored apart.

✔ Assemble just before serving

Prevents wilting.

✔ Dressing lasts 5 days

Store in a jar and shake before serving.

✔ Leftover salad

Best eaten within 24 hours.

---

Fun Holiday Fact:

Pomegranates symbolize prosperity and joy in many cultures, making them a perfect ingredient for Christmas dishes that celebrate abundance and new beginnings.