A quick welcome to Crisp Christmas Wreath Salad
This bright salad makes a festive centerpiece that is fresh, crunchy, and easy to build. It looks like a holiday wreath on the platter and tastes light with salty feta and crunchy walnuts. If you enjoy quick, colorful sides for holiday meals, this is a simple choice to put together while you finish other dishes. For other salad ideas, you might also like this chicken satay crispy rice salad bowls for a different flavor profile.
Why this salad is a good pick for the holidays
- It looks festive and needs no fancy plating skills.
- The ingredients are fresh and easy to find.
- You can assemble it quickly and serve immediately so everything stays crisp.
- It pairs well with heavier holiday mains and adds a bright contrast.
Step-by-step: How to make Crisp Christmas Wreath Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and sliced radishes.
- On a large serving platter, arrange the salad mixture in a circular wreath shape. Gently press so it holds its form.
- Crumble the feta cheese evenly over the wreath.
- Sprinkle the walnuts across the salad for crunch.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness.
For a quick guide on arranging salads and presentation ideas, see this crispy rice salad bowl article for presentation tips that work with many salads.
What you’ll need (Ingredients)
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers, sliced
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Carrots, shredded
- Radishes, sliced
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Walnuts, roughly chopped
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Simple directions to follow
- Toss the mixed greens with the vegetables in a large bowl.
- Shape on a platter into a wreath.
- Top with feta and walnuts.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season and serve right away.
Best ways to serve this salad
Serve the salad immediately after dressing so the greens stay crisp. Place it on a low, wide platter so guests can take from the wreath without breaking the shape too soon. Offer extra dressing and salt and pepper at the table so people can adjust to taste.
How to keep leftovers fresh
This salad is best eaten the day it’s made. If you must store leftovers, remove any dressing and place the salad components in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep feta and walnuts separate if possible and add them just before serving to preserve texture.
Smart tips for the best wreath
- Use crisp, dry greens so the wreath holds shape.
- Slice vegetables uniformly for a neat look.
- Toast walnuts briefly for extra flavor.
- Dress lightly and add more at the table.
- Prepare ingredients ahead and assemble just before guests arrive.
For more quick-salad tips and crunchy ideas, check this guide to getting great crisp textures.
Small variations you can try
- Add pomegranate seeds for extra color and a sweet pop.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or toasted almonds.
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier bite.
- Add mandarin segments and avocado for a fruitier version.
Nutrition snapshot (approximate per serving)
- Calories: ~180–220 kcal
- Fat: 12–15 g (depends on oil and cheese)
- Carbohydrates: 8–12 g
- Protein: 4–6 g
Values vary by portion size and exact amounts used.
Family-friendly serving ideas
- Make individual mini-wreaths on small plates for kids.
- Offer a tray of extra veggies so children can choose favorites.
- Set out bowls of feta and nuts separately for picky eaters to customize.
What to serve with this salad
This salad pairs well with roasted turkey, baked ham, grilled chicken, or vegetarian mains like stuffed squash. It also works as a fresh side to heavier casseroles and rich holiday dishes.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep and slice ingredients ahead, but assemble and dress the wreath right before serving to keep it crisp.
Q: Can I use other nuts or seeds?
A: Yes. Pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds all work well for crunch and flavor.
Q: Is there a good non-dairy cheese alternative?
A: Try a firm tofu crumble or a store-bought vegan feta to keep the salty tang without dairy.
Q: How can I keep the salad from wilting when sitting out?
A: Keep the dressing on the side and add it only when ready to serve. Keep the platter in a cool spot until guests start.
Conclusion
If you want more wreath-salad ideas and inspiration, review this festive take from Crowded Kitchen’s Christmas Wreath Salad. For a quick, fruity version that uses pomegranate and candied toppings, see the 15-Minute Christmas Wreath Salad with Pomegranate idea. For a different fruity-cheesy combination to spark new variations, try the Pomegranate Mandarin Salad with Avocado and Feta.
Crisp Christmas Wreath Salad
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 6 cups Mixed greens Use crisp, dry greens.
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup Cucumbers, sliced Slice uniformly for a neat look.
- 1 cup Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup Carrots, shredded
- 1 cup Radishes, sliced
Toppings
- 1 cup Feta cheese, crumbled Can swap with goat cheese for creamier texture.
- 1/2 cup Walnuts, roughly chopped Toast walnuts briefly for extra flavor.
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil Adjust quantity to taste.
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar Adjust quantity to taste.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and sliced radishes.
- On a large serving platter, arrange the salad mixture in a circular wreath shape, gently pressing to hold its form.
- Crumble the feta cheese evenly over the wreath.
- Sprinkle the walnuts across the salad for added crunch.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness.
