Name: 20-Minute Christmas Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 5 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix); 0.5 cup pomegranate seeds; 0.5 cup dried cranberries; 0.5 cup feta cheese (crumbled); 0.5 cup pecans (toasted); 1 small apple (diced); 1 small pear (diced); 0.25 cup red onion (thinly sliced); 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup); salt (to taste); black pepper (to taste)

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The holiday season calls for dishes that are both beautiful and effortless. The 20-Minute Christmas Salad is a vibrant, easy-to-make salad that brings color, flavor, and freshness to your table. Loaded with seasonal fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy feta, it’s a healthy yet indulgent addition to holiday meals.

This salad is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday parties, or meal prep, and it’s designed to be ready in under 20 minutes. The combination of tart pomegranate seeds, sweet cranberries, and savory feta makes every bite a celebration of flavors.

Ingredients

5 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
½ cup pomegranate seeds
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
1 small red apple, diced
1 small pear, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Greens: Rinse and dry the mixed greens, then place them in a large salad bowl.
Add Fruit and Cheese: Toss in pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, diced apple, diced pear, and crumbled feta.
Toast the Nuts: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Toast the pecans or walnuts for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Let cool slightly before adding to the salad.
Slice Onion: Thinly slice red onion and add to the bowl for a mild bite and vibrant color.
Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
Combine Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. The salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Tips for the Perfect Christmas Salad

Balance flavors: Tart pomegranate seeds and sweet cranberries complement the creamy feta.
Keep nuts crunchy: Toast nuts separately and add just before serving.
Make ahead: Prepare ingredients in advance but toss with dressing just before serving.
Season the vinaigrette: Taste before serving; adjust sweetness or acidity based on your fruit.

Variations

Holiday Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey for a complete meal.
Cheese Swap: Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for different flavor profiles.
Nut-Free Version: Replace nuts with roasted chickpeas or seeds for crunch.
Citrus Twist: Add orange or grapefruit segments for a bright citrus note.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side dish alongside roast turkey, ham, or beef.
Perfect for holiday brunch buffets or potlucks.
Pair with warm bread or dinner rolls to complement the fresh, crisp textures.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Pomegranates are a traditional holiday symbol representing abundance and prosperity.
Using seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and cranberries makes this salad timely and festive.
The simplicity of this salad reflects modern holiday trends: fresh, quick, and colorful dishes that balance indulgence with nutrition.

This 20-Minute Christmas Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors that everyone will love.