A warm welcome to this Winter Christmas Salad
This bright salad feels fresh and festive. It mixes crisp greens, juicy pomegranate seeds, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts. The honey mustard dressing adds a sweet and tangy touch that makes every bite lively. If you enjoy holiday sides, you might also like the warm flavors in this baked apples recipe: baked apples with feta, honey, and cranberries.
Why this salad deserves a spot on your table
- It looks beautiful with red pomegranate seeds and green leaves.
- It is quick to make and works well for busy gatherings.
- The flavors balance sweet, salty, and crunchy.
- It suits many diets — just swap ingredients for allergies.
Step-by-step: Make the Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Ingredients:
- mixed greens
- cherry tomatoes
- cucumbers
- red onion
- pomegranate seeds
- feta cheese
- walnuts
- honey
- mustard
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
Simple serving ideas to show it off
Serve the salad on a large platter so the colors shine. Add a few extra pomegranate seeds and walnuts on top for a festive look. If you want a heartier meal, pair it with a protein like grilled chicken or try these crispy rice salad bowls with peanut sauce: chicken satay crispy rice salad bowls.
How to keep the salad fresh
- Store the salad components separately if making ahead. Keep greens in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
- Keep the dressing in a small jar in the fridge. Toss the salad only right before serving.
- Prepared greens with dressing will stay okay for a few hours, but they will get soggy if left longer.
Handy tips for a flawless salad
- Toast the walnuts lightly for extra flavor.
- Taste the dressing and adjust sweetness or tang by adding more honey or mustard.
- For quicker prep, use pre-crumbled feta and pre-washed greens.
- If you want a festive dessert to follow, try this berry crumble cheesecake: Christmas berry crumble cheesecake.
A few small twists you can try
- Swap walnuts for pecans or sliced almonds.
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a tangier flavor.
- Add sliced pears or apples for extra winter fruit.
- For a vegan version, skip the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Estimated nutrition per serving (approximate)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
Values vary by portion size and exact ingredient brands.
Family-friendly serving ideas
- Serve in shallow bowls so kids can see the colors.
- Offer the dressing on the side so picky eaters can choose how much to add.
- Make a big platter and let everyone take what they like — it’s easy to share.
What pairs well with this salad
This salad pairs nicely with roasted turkey, baked salmon, or grilled chicken. It also goes well with warm breads or savory tarts. For drinks, light white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or a mild cider work well.
Conclusion
For more festive salad ideas and presentation tips, see this bright Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing from Half Baked Harvest. If you want ideas focused on pomegranate and presentation, check out this Best Christmas Salad with Pomegranate from Beaming Baker. For another holiday salad style and serving inspiration, take a look at this Christmas Salad on Julia’s Album.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before use.
Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes. Omit the feta and use maple syrup instead of honey. You can also add toasted seeds for extra texture.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftover salad with dressing will get soggy quickly. Store greens and toppings separately for up to 2 days; dressed salad can be kept for a few hours in the fridge.
Q: Are there nut-free options?
A: Swap walnuts for roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds for crunch without nuts.
Q: Can I use other greens?
A: Yes. Arugula, spinach, or a spring mix all work well.
Winter Christmas Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped Toast lightly for extra flavor.
Honey Mustard Dressing
- 1 tablespoon honey Adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon mustard Adjust to taste.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
