This festive Christmas Salad is a burst of bright flavors, combining sweet, tangy, and savory elements. The combination of candied pecans, fresh oranges, and creamy gorgonzola makes it the perfect holiday side dish.

You’ll also love my Shrimp Salad, pear gorgonzola salad, and Fall Harvest Salad.

Why you’ll love this salad recipe…

This Christmas Salad captures the essence of the holiday season with its bold colors and seasonal ingredients. The bright pomegranate, juicy citrus, and candied pecans bring together the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy.

It’s a refreshing and festive side dish, lightening up any holiday spread while still offering a touch of elegance. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or a holiday party, its fresh flavors and stunning presentation make it a perfect fit for your Christmas table.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll love this simple salad recipe as a beautiful addition to your Christmas dinner table. Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make it:

For the Salad:

• Mixed greens: A combination of your favorite salad greens like spinach, romaine, or baby lettuce, providing a fresh and crisp base for the salad.
• Frisée or arugula: Frisée adds a slightly bitter note with its curly texture, while arugula offers a peppery flavor if you prefer a more robust taste.
• Oranges: Fresh orange segments bring a burst of juicy sweetness and bright color to the salad, perfectly complementing the other flavors.
• Candied pecans: Sweet, crunchy pecans add texture and a delightful caramelized flavor, balancing the salad’s tangy and creamy elements. Make my recipe or buy store-bought candied pecans.
• Pomegranate arils: These vibrant ruby seeds deliver a juicy, tart-sweet pop in every bite, adding both color and a refreshing contrast.
• Dried cranberries or cherries: Chewy and slightly sweet-tart, these dried fruits enhance the salad’s festive feel with their deep red hue and concentrated flavor.
• Gorgonzola (or other cheese): Creamy and tangy gorgonzola cheese adds richness to the salad, but you can substitute with blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese for a milder or more crumbly texture.

For the Honey Mustard Vinaigrette:

• Extra virgin olive oil: This smooth, rich oil serves as the base for the vinaigrette, giving it a velvety texture.
• Apple cider vinegar or Champagne Vinegar: Adds a zesty tang with a hint of sweetness.
• Dijon mustard: Provides a sharp, slightly spicy flavor to balance the sweet and tangy elements.
• Honey: Sweetens the vinaigrette.
• Orange zest and juice: Infuses the dressing with a citrusy brightness, amplifying the flavor of the oranges in the salad.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Seasonings to round out the vinaigrette.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Christmas Salad

This gorgeous holiday salad is easy to make. For more instructions, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

This salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, with the fruit’s tanginess balancing the cheese’s creaminess and the sweetness of the candied pecans. It’s a perfect side dish for your holiday feast.

Substitutions Variations

• Switch Up the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of gorgonzola, try using creamy goat cheese, tangy feta, or even a mild ricotta salata. Each cheese has a different texture and flavor profile.
• Use Different Nuts: Swap candied pecans for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. For a more savory crunch, try toasted salted nuts instead of candied.
• Citrus Substitutes: If oranges aren’t in season, use other citrus fruits like blood oranges, mandarin oranges, or grapefruit for a unique twist. Their bright colors will keep the salad festive.
• Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh mint, basil, or parsley for a refreshing burst of flavor that adds an aromatic quality to the salad.
• Avocado: Include sliced avocado for added creaminess and healthy fats. This adds a luxurious texture to the salad.
• Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, turkey, or seared salmon for a heartier salad that can stand alone as a main dish.

What Makes this a Christmas Salad?

This salad is beautifully arranged with vibrant colors and textures, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for any Christmas gathering. Here’s what makes it special:

• Seasonal Ingredients: Pomegranates, citrus fruits, and dried cherries are in season during the winter months, making this salad a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce.
• Delicious Flavor Balance: The sweet candied pecans, juicy oranges, tart pomegranate, and creamy gorgonzola create a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Refreshing and Light: Amid heavier holiday dishes, this salad offers a fresh and light option that complements rich mains.

Beautifully presented and full of festive flair, it’s a perfect addition to any Christmas table.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead: Prep the salad components (greens, fruit, nuts, cheese) and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for 2-3 days. Make the vinaigrette ahead and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving.

Storage: Store undressed salad ingredients separately. Once dressed, consume within 24 hours. The greens may wilt, but the flavors will still be good. Candied pecans can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.

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