Description
A vibrant and refreshing Christmas Fresh Salad featuring a zesty orange vinaigrette and a colorful medley of spring mix greens, mandarin oranges, pomegranate arils, candied pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a light, festive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 6 cups spring mix
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments, fresh or canned, drained
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- ½ cup candied pecans
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, and maple syrup or honey until well combined. Gradually whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until the dressing is emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the spring mix, mandarin orange segments, pomegranate arils, and candied pecans.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the tossed salad for a creamy and tangy finish.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates or a large serving bowl and enjoy immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh mandarin oranges if available, but canned drained segments work well too.
- The candied pecans can be homemade or store-bought; warming them slightly enhances their crunch.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and omit the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; whisk again before use as separation may occur.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey to suit your taste.
