Winter Salad Recipe: 5 Fresh Festive Wins

Name: Winter Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 cups mixed spring greens; 1 ¼ cups mandarin orange segments (oranges, clementines, or tangerines); ½ cup pomegranate seeds (or substitute dried cranberries); ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled; ½ cup candied pecans, roughly chopped; ⅓ cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon shallot, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

When the temperatures drop and comfort food starts calling your name, a bright and beautiful Winter Salad Recipe might not be the first thing you think of. But trust me—this one deserves a spotlight on your table.

This isn’t a boring bowl of greens. Oh no. This Winter Salad Recipe is a vibrant mix of juicy oranges, sparkling pomegranate seeds, creamy feta, and sweet candied pecans—all tossed in a homemade honey-Dijon dressing that tastes like it came straight from a cozy little café.

If you’re juggling holiday prep, work deadlines, and maybe even school pickups, this salad is your secret weapon. It’s fresh, festive, and ready in 15 minutes flat. Let’s make your winter table shine.

Why You’ll Love This Winter Salad Recipe

Let me count the ways:

It’s quick. Just 15 minutes of prep.
It’s gorgeous. The reds, greens, and oranges practically scream holiday cheer.
It balances flavors beautifully. Sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy in every bite.
It feels fancy—but it’s easy.

As a chef, I love dishes that look like you spent hours in the kitchen… when you absolutely did not. This Winter Salad Recipe delivers that magic. It’s the kind of dish that makes guests say, “Wow, you made this?” while you casually sip your sparkling water like the kitchen queen you are.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad

7 cups mixed spring greens
1 ¼ cups mandarin orange segments (oranges, clementines, or tangerines work beautifully)
½ cup pomegranate seeds (or substitute dried cranberries)
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup candied pecans, roughly chopped

For the Dressing

⅓ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon shallot, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Simple ingredients. Big flavor. That’s how we do things in my kitchen.

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Winter Salad Recipe

Let’s break it down into easy, stress-free steps.

Step 1: Build Your Base

Grab a large salad bowl. Add the mixed spring greens first. This gives you a soft, fresh foundation.

Next, scatter the mandarin orange segments over the top. Make sure they’re evenly spread—no one wants to fight for the last orange slice!

Sprinkle in the pomegranate seeds. Those little ruby gems add bursts of sweetness and the prettiest pop of color.

Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped candied pecans last. The feta brings creaminess, and the pecans add crunch with a hint of sweetness. This contrast is what makes the Winter Salad Recipe truly shine.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine:

Olive oil
Honey
Dijon mustard
Apple cider vinegar
Minced shallot
Salt and pepper

Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. The honey and Dijon mustard create a balanced, slightly sweet tang that pairs perfectly with the citrus and pomegranate.

Chef tip: If your honey is a little stubborn, warm it for a few seconds in the microwave so it blends easily. No arm workout required.

Step 3: Toss Gently

Drizzle the dressing over the salad to taste. You may not need it all.

Using tongs, gently toss everything together. Go easy here—we’re dressing the salad, not wrestling it. You want the greens lightly coated, not soggy.

Serve immediately for the freshest texture and brightest flavor.

Winter Salad Recipe in glass bowl with oranges, pomegranate, feta, and pecans — This fresh Winter Salad Recipe brings together citrus, feta, and crunchy pecans for a bright and festive winter table centerpiece.

The Flavor Magic Behind This Winter Salad Recipe

Let’s talk flavor balance for a second (because this is where the magic happens).

Sweet: Mandarins, honey, candied pecans
Tangy: Apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard
Salty: Feta cheese
Fresh: Spring greens and shallots
Crunchy: Pecans and pomegranate

Every forkful hits multiple flavor notes. It keeps things interesting—and that’s why even people who “aren’t salad people” go back for seconds.

I first made this Winter Salad Recipe for a last-minute holiday dinner when friends showed up unexpectedly. My fridge was full of random festive ingredients, and I threw this together in minutes. It was the first bowl emptied that night. Since then, it’s been a seasonal staple in my home.

Sometimes the simplest combinations are the most powerful.

Chef Omar’s Kitchen Tips for Success

Because we’re not just cooking—we’re cooking smart.

1. Prep Ahead (But Don’t Toss Yet)

You can prep all the ingredients earlier in the day. Keep the dressing separate and toss everything together right before serving. That way, your greens stay crisp.

2. Want to Make It a Meal?

Add grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even quinoa. Suddenly, your Winter Salad Recipe becomes a satisfying main dish.

3. Swap Smartly

No pomegranate? Use dried cranberries.
No feta? Goat cheese works beautifully.
No pecans? Try walnuts or sliced almonds.

Cooking should feel flexible, not stressful. Your kitchen, your rules.

4. Balance the Dressing

Taste before pouring it all on. Some like it lightly dressed; others want more punch. Start small—you can always add more.

And if your dressing looks a little separated after sitting? Just whisk again. It’s not misbehaving. It just needs a quick stir.

Nutrition Snapshot

Per serving (approximately):

Calories: 290
Total Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 3g

It’s satisfying without feeling heavy. Perfect for balancing out those holiday cookies we all pretend we’re not eating. (No judgment here.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Winter Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prep all the components ahead of time, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and fresh.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Once dressed, it’s best eaten within a few hours. Undressed ingredients can be stored separately for up to 2 days.

Can I use bottled dressing instead?

You can—but the homemade honey-Dijon dressing really elevates this Winter Salad Recipe. It takes less than 2 minutes to whisk together and tastes far better than most store-bought options.

What protein pairs best with this salad?

Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, baked salmon, or even shrimp work beautifully. The sweet and tangy flavors complement savory proteins very well.

Is this salad kid-friendly?

Yes! The sweet oranges and candied pecans usually win kids over. If needed, serve the dressing on the side.

Perfect for Holidays, Brunches & Busy Weeknights

This Winter Salad Recipe fits almost any occasion:

Thanksgiving dinner
Christmas gatherings
New Year’s brunch
Baby showers
Girls’ night in
Or just a Tuesday when you want something fresh

It brings color and brightness to heavier winter meals. When everything else on the table is rich and warm, this salad feels like a refreshing breath of crisp winter air.

And let’s be honest—having one beautiful, vibrant dish on the table makes everything feel a little more put together.

Bring Fresh Flavor to Your Winter Table

Winter doesn’t have to mean dull or heavy. This Winter Salad Recipe proves that seasonal cooking can be bright, balanced, and absolutely delicious.

With juicy citrus, pops of pomegranate, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans, every bite feels festive without being fussy. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight and elegant enough for your holiday table.

So grab that big salad bowl, whisk up that sweet-tangy dressing, and let this Winter Salad Recipe bring a burst of sunshine to your cold-weather meals.

From my kitchen to yours—happy cooking, and may your table always be full of flavor and laughter.

Build a Beautiful Winter Menu

If this Winter Salad Recipe is already stealing the spotlight on your table, why not round things out with a few more dishes that bring warmth, color, and comfort to the season?

Add a hearty, flavor-packed side like Mediterranean Bean Salad with Feta to echo those creamy, tangy notes while making the meal feel extra satisfying.
For a show-stopping holiday main, serve your salad alongside Christmas Salmon with Pomegranate Glaze. The sweet-tart glaze pairs beautifully with citrus and feta.
Want something warm and cozy to balance the crisp greens? A bowl of Tuscan White Bean Soup turns this into the ultimate winter comfort combo.
Hosting brunch or a festive gathering? A sweet, crunchy bowl of Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad adds brightness and crowd-pleasing flavor.
And if you’re in the mood to explore another fresh twist on seasonal greens, you might enjoy this inspiring Winter Salad from Eating Bird Food.

Mix, match, and make it your own. Winter cooking should feel joyful, colorful, and deliciously simple.