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.

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

Description

This Winter Salad Recipe is a fresh and festive blend of mixed greens, juicy mandarin oranges, sweet pomegranate seeds, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a simple homemade honey-Dijon dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect bright and flavorful addition to any holiday table or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

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

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

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Instructions

Place the mixed greens in a large serving bowl.
Add the mandarin orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped candied pecans.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad to taste.
Gently toss until evenly coated.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Prep all ingredients ahead of time and store separately. Toss with dressing just before serving to keep greens crisp.

Goat cheese can be substituted for feta.

Dried cranberries work well if pomegranate seeds are unavailable.

Add grilled chicken, salmon, or quinoa to turn this into a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 290
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 193mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 11mg