Christmas Salad Recipe

5 from 6 votes

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 dish.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Christmas salad

Servings: -8 servings

Author: Elena Davis

Ingredients

Salad:

6 cups mixed greens I like to use a winter mix with radicchio
2 cups Frisée salad or substitute with arugula for a peppery kick
1-2 oranges peeled and cut into segments
2 cups candied pecans
1 cup pomegranate arils
1 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1 cup crumbled gorgonzola or substitute with blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese

Honey Mustard Vinaigrette:

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the salad base: Combine the mixed greens and Frisée (or arugula) in a large serving bowl. Toss lightly to distribute the greens evenly.
Add fruit and cheese: Top the greens with orange segments, pomegranate arils, and dried cherries or cranberries. Sprinkle the crumbled gorgonzola over the top.
Add the crunch: Scatter the candied pecans over the salad for a sweet and crunchy element.
Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, orange zest, and orange juice—season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Dress the salad: Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat the ingredients without crushing them.
Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful, and beautiful Christmas salad!

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality greens: Choose a mix of crisp and fresh greens. Avoid wilted leaves; if necessary, rinse and dry them thoroughly to remove any excess moisture.
Segment the oranges properly: Remove the pith and membrane from the orange segments for a clean and elegant presentation. This will make the oranges sweeter and more enjoyable to eat.
Balance sweet and tangy flavors: The combination of candied pecans, pomegranate arils, and dried cherries (or cranberries) ensures a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Don’t be afraid to adjust the fruit quantities based on your taste.

Nutrition