I can’t wait to share this vibrant Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe—it’s like a festive burst of freshness on your holiday table. This salad balances bright citrus, juicy pomegranate seeds, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing that just sings with every bite. Whether you’re serving it alongside your roast or bringing it to a holiday gathering, it adds that perfect fresh contrast to heavier dishes.

What really makes this Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe a winner for me is how easy it is to throw together and how visually stunning it looks. I first made it a few Christmases ago when I wanted something light to break up all the rich food—and it instantly became a holiday staple. Plus, the dressing is so simple but packed with flavor, so you won’t believe how quickly it all comes together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe is chosen not only for flavor but also for texture and a pop of festive color. When you shop, aim for the freshest produce you can find to keep the salad bright and crisp.

Spring mix: A blend of baby lettuces and greens gives a tender, fresh base that holds up well under the dressing.
Mandarin orange segments: Fresh is best if you can peel them yourself; canned works in a pinch but make sure to drain well.
Pomegranate arils: These add a juicy burst and a gorgeous jewel-like look that instantly says “holiday.”
Candied pecans: Giving a sweet crunch, they contrast beautifully with the tangy fruit and creamy feta.
Crumbled feta cheese: This adds a salty, creamy element that balances the sweetness of the dressing and fruit.
Fresh orange juice: Bright and fresh, it’s the star of the dressing for that citrus kick.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a nice tang that wakes up the flavors.
Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and brings subtle heat and depth.
Maple syrup or honey: Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness — I like maple syrup for a more complex flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality one for the dressing—it makes a big difference!
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for seasoning and balancing.

Variations

This Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe is so versatile—I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or dietary preferences in my family. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Make it vegan: Swap out the feta for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast; the salad stays just as tasty!
Add greens like kale or spinach: For extra nutrients and a heartier bite, especially if you want to bulk it up.
Try different nuts: Walnuts or almonds also work wonderfully candied or toasted.
Swap dressing sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup and add a touch of grated ginger for warmth.
Include fresh herbs: A little chopped mint or basil can brighten the salad even more.

How to Make Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

Start by combining fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup in a small bowl. Whisk them well until they’re thoroughly blended. Slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking to create a nice emulsion—this keeps your dressing from separating. Finish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Setting aside the dressing first lets the flavors meld while you prep the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, add your spring mix. If you want extra crispness, rinse and spin dry the greens ahead of time, then chill them in the fridge—this step is a game-changer for texture. Next, gently fold in the mandarin orange segments and pomegranate arils, taking care not to crush the delicate fruit.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Drizzle your beautifully whisked dressing over the salad and toss lightly so everything is just coated without sogginess. Sprinkle the candied pecans and crumbled feta over the top—these go on last to keep their texture intact. Give the salad one final gentle toss if needed. That’s it! You’ve crafted a stunning Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe ready to impress.

How to Serve Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe

A close-up view of a colorful salad served in a white bowl, showing layers of mixed green lettuce leaves at the bottom with bright orange mandarin slices, red pomegranate seeds, and small brown candied nuts scattered on top. White crumbled cheese pieces are sprinkled evenly over the salad, adding a light texture contrast. The background shows another bowl of the same salad, and the scene is set on a white marbled surface with a soft focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to add a few extra pomegranate arils and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top when serving. Sometimes a light drizzle of good olive oil right at the end adds a lovely sheen and richness. A little fresh herb like mint leaves or a few edible flowers makes this salad feel extra special and festive—perfect for Christmas.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with richer mains like roast turkey, ham, or glazed root vegetables. I’ve also served it alongside quinoa or couscous for a lighter vegetarian meal that feels celebratory. The crisp citrus and bright pomegranate help cut through heavier holiday dishes—your guests will appreciate the freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I sometimes serve this Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe in individual clear glasses or small bowls to showcase the beautiful colors. Layering the greens, fruit, and nuts makes each serving a mini work of art. Another fun idea is arranging it on a festive platter in sections, so people can scoop out exactly what they want.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of this salad, store the salad and dressing separately if possible to keep the greens crisp. I put the dressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge and eat it within a day—after that, the greens tend to get soggy. The candied pecans stay crunchy if added fresh each time you serve.

Freezing

This Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe is not great for freezing, especially because the fresh fruit and greens lose texture. I’d recommend enjoying it fresh for the best experience.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t really necessary or recommended. If you do have leftovers with dressing, just serve cold or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time for this Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe?

Absolutely! You can whisk the dressing up to a day in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or whisk before dressing the salad to re-emulsify the ingredients.
What can I substitute for candied pecans if I can’t find them?

If you don’t have candied pecans, try making your own by toasting pecans with a sprinkle of brown sugar and a pinch of salt in a skillet over medium heat. Alternatively, candied walnuts or almonds work well to provide that sweet crunch.
Can I use bottled orange juice for the dressing?

Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, a high-quality bottled juice without added sugars or preservatives can be used. Just make sure it’s cold and fresh-tasting for the best dressing.
How far ahead can I assemble the Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe?

For best texture, assemble the salad no more than 1 hour before serving. If you need to prep earlier, keep the greens, fruit, and nuts separate and dress and toss just before serving.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes! Simply omit the feta or substitute it with a vegan cheese or toasted tofu to keep it plant-based without losing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe holds a special place at my holiday table because it brings freshness, color, and a burst of flavor to balance the richness of festive meals. I love how it’s quick to make but looks so beautiful and tastes like you spent hours crafting it. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll keep coming back to it every holiday season—and probably beyond. Give it a go, and don’t forget to savor those crunchy pecans and juicy pomegranate bursts with every bite!