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20-Minute Christmas Salad

A vibrant and festive winter salad bursting with pomegranate, apples, toasted nuts, and a bright citrus-honey vinaigrette—ready in just 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 6 cups spinach or arugula
  • 1 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1 red apple thinly sliced
  • 0.33 cup feta or goat cheese crumbled
  • 0.33 cup toasted pecans or pistachios
  • 0.25 cup dried cranberries optional
Honey Citrus Vinaigrette
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp orange juice fresh
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Add spinach and/or arugula to a large serving bowl.
  2. Top with pomegranate arils, sliced apples, and dried cranberries.
  3. Crumble feta or goat cheese over the salad.
  4. Toast pecans or pistachios in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes and add to salad.
  5. Whisk olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper to create vinaigrette.
  6. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with orange zest if desired.

Notes

Dress right before serving for best texture. Add grilled chicken or cooked quinoa for a heartier version.