Pin it A festive, vibrant salad featuring chopped green vegetables, bright pomegranate seeds, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts perfect for holiday gatherings.
This salad has been a highlight at every Christmas gathering I've hosted, loved for both its flavors and festive look.
Ingredients
- Greens: 2 cups kale leaves, finely chopped (stems removed), 1 cup baby spinach, chopped, 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped, 1 cup cucumber, diced
- Vegetables & Fruit: 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced, 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- Cheese & Nuts: 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled, 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
- Dressing: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine kale, spinach, broccoli, and cucumber.
- Step 2:
- Massage the kale gently with a drizzle of olive oil for 1–2 minutes to soften.
- Step 3:
- Add red bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, and red onion to the greens and toss gently.
- Step 4:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 5:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 6:
- Top with crumbled feta and toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Step 7:
- Transfer to a serving platter. For a festive touch, shape the salad into a Christmas tree and decorate with extra pomegranate seeds and feta.
Pin it This salad always brings the family together, sparking conversations around the holiday table and delighting all ages.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Small bowl for dressing, Whisk, Chopping board and knife, Salad tongs
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pecans/walnuts). Omit nuts for nut allergies; double-check cheese for dairy allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 6 g per serving
Pin it A perfect holiday side dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Recipe FAQs
- → What greens are best for this salad?
Kale, spinach, and broccoli florets form a sturdy and flavorful base that holds up well to the dressing.
- → Can I substitute the nuts?
Yes, toasted walnuts or pecans are suggested, but pumpkin seeds work well for a nut-free option.
- → How do I soften the kale before tossing?
Gently massaging the kale leaves with a bit of olive oil for a couple of minutes softens their texture without wilting.
- → Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Omitting feta or replacing it with a plant-based cheese makes this dish vegan-friendly without losing flavor.
- → What dressing ingredients balance the flavors?
A mix of olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard creates a bright, tangy dressing that ties all ingredients together.
- → How can I make the salad visually festive?
Shape the salad into a Christmas tree on a serving platter and garnish with extra pomegranate seeds and feta crumbles for a seasonal touch.