Name: Festive Citrus Pomegranate Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 cups mixed spring greens; 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarin, clementine, or tangerine); 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries); 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon minced shallot; Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re looking for a salad that truly bursts with color, flavor, and festive cheer, you’ve got to try this Festive Citrus Pomegranate Salad Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to every holiday season because it’s fresh, vibrant, super easy to throw together, and your guests will be asking for the recipe! Whether you want a quick side dish for a holiday dinner or something refreshing to brighten up weeknight meals, this salad has got you covered.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright, Festive Flavors: The juicy citrus and sweet-tart pomegranate seeds make this salad a holiday showstopper.
Super Simple to Make: Just toss fresh greens and fruit with a quick homemade dressing — no fuss, no stress.
Perfect Texture Balance: Crunchy candied pecans paired with creamy feta bring every bite to life.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dressing ahead of time to save even more moments for yourself during the busy season.

A clear glass bowl is filled with a colorful layered salad. The bottom layer is fresh green spinach and mixed greens with some purple leaves scattered in. On top, bright orange mandarin slices are placed evenly, along with deep red pomegranate seeds scattered around. There are also brown pecan halves spread throughout. Small white crumbles of cheese are sprinkled over the top, adding contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with two whole mandarins blurred softly in the background. The image has a natural light setting, highlighting the fresh and vibrant colors of the salad. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Festive Citrus Pomegranate Salad, holiday citrus salad, easy holiday salad, fresh fruit holiday side dish, colorful holiday salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Festive Citrus Pomegranate Salad Recipe lies in its simple but vibrant ingredients. Each element plays a role in creating a balance of sweet, tangy, salty, and crunchy textures. Here’s a little tip: choose fresh, juicy orange segments and high-quality feta for the best results.

Flat lay of a large simple white ceramic bowl filled with fresh mixed spring greens, a small pile of bright orange segments (mandarin or clementine), a small white ceramic bowl of ruby red pomegranate seeds, a small mound of crumbled white feta cheese, a small heap of roughly chopped candied pecans, alongside four small white ceramic bowls containing golden olive oil, amber honey, smooth yellow Dijon mustard, and clear apple cider vinegar, plus finely minced pale shallot placed delicately on the side, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Festive Citrus Pomegranate Salad, holiday citrus salad, easy holiday salad, fresh fruit holiday side dish, colorful holiday salad

Mixed spring greens: I like to use pre-washed, tender baby greens to save time and get that perfect fresh base.
Orange segments: Mandarin, clementine, or tangerine all work beautifully—just peel and segment carefully to avoid bitterness from the pith.
Pomegranate seeds: Fresh is best, but dried cranberries work well too if pomegranate isn’t in season or available.
Feta cheese: Crumbling feta from a block makes such a difference in flavor compared to pre-crumbled varieties.
Candied pecans: Roughly chopped for that perfect sweet crunch—if you can’t find candied, gently toast pecans and toss with a little sugar at home.
Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for a vibrant dressing.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness to the dressing—and I love the subtle floral notes.
Dijon mustard: Balances the sweetness and brings a gentle tang.
Apple cider vinegar: The acidity brightens everything up.
Minced shallot: Gives the dressing a delicate, aromatic bite without overpowering the salad.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to make all the flavors pop.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this salad classic most of the time, but feel free to switch things up based on what you have or your personal taste. Customizing it is part of the fun and makes it your own festive creation.

Add a Citrus Twist: One year, I swapped oranges for blood oranges and loved the deeper, slightly tangier flavor it brought to the table.
Nut Swaps: If you have walnuts or almonds on hand, they work just as well when candied or toasted.
Dairy-Free Version: Omit the feta and try adding avocado chunks for creaminess instead — my sister’s favorite when she visits!
Extra Fruity: Toss in some sliced kiwi or pomegranate arils for even more color and zing during winter gatherings.

How to Make Festive Citrus Pomegranate Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Start by washing your mixed spring greens thoroughly, or if you’re like me, grab a pre-washed bag for convenience. Peel your oranges carefully, removing as much pith as possible, then segment them gently. If you’re using fresh pomegranate, separate the seeds; it’s a bit fiddly, but totally worth it for the crunch and burst of flavor. Toss all these into a large salad bowl along with the candied pecans and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine your olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallot. Whisk everything briskly until the mixture becomes smooth and emulsified. I like to taste here and adjust the salt and pepper until it hits just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. This step is where all the flavors come together and take that salad from good to unforgettable.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Drizzle your dressing over the salad slowly—start with less than you think you need; you can always add more. Toss everything gently with salad tongs or two large spoons to coat the greens without bruising them. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp freshness of the greens and juicy citrus alongside the crunchy pecans and creamy feta.

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Pro Tips for Making Festive Citrus Pomegranate Salad Recipe

Segmenting Oranges Cleanly: I’ve found that slicing just inside each white membrane helps release perfect segments without bitterness.
Prepare Dressing Ahead: Making the dressing a day or two early not only saves time but also lets flavors deepen beautifully.
Toss Gently: Over-tossing greens can bruise them and release too much liquid, so fold softly to maintain texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pomegranate seeds and oranges drastically elevate the flavor—trust me, it’s worth sourcing!

How to Serve Festive Citrus Pomegranate Salad Recipe

Festive Citrus Pomegranate Salad Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually top this salad with a few extra pomegranate seeds and a sprinkle of fresh chopped mint if I have it on hand. It adds such a refreshing note and makes the colors even more festive. You could also try some edible flower petals for an extra wow factor at your holiday table.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted meats, like holiday turkey or ham, and it’s fantastic alongside warm, crusty bread or a hearty grain like quinoa or farro. My family loves it with spiced sweet potatoes as well—the contrast is simply perfect.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch at holiday gatherings, I sometimes layer this salad in a clear glass trifle bowl so you can see all those vibrant layers of greens, citrus, pomegranate, and pecans. Another idea I love is serving individual portions in small mason jars — it’s pretty and perfect for portion control when entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Because the dressing sits on the salad, the greens can get a bit limp if left for more than a day, so I recommend eating the salad fresh or within 24 hours. To enjoy leftovers at their best, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t something I recommend since fresh greens and fruit don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the dressing separately if you make extra. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and whisk again before use.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. I wouldn’t reheat it at all because the fresh textures and flavors really shine when fresh. If you need a warm side, consider pairing this salad with hot dishes instead.

FAQs

Can I substitute the pomegranate seeds with something else?

Absolutely! If fresh pomegranate isn’t available, dried cranberries or even red currants can be great substitutes that still add tartness and color to the salad.
Can I make the dressing without honey for a vegan version?

Yes! Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar—both add sweetness that complements the dressing perfectly while keeping it vegan-friendly.
How long can I keep the dressing in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, the dressing stays fresh for up to 3 days. Give it a good whisk before using as the ingredients may separate over time.
What type of greens work best for this salad?

I recommend tender mixed spring greens or baby arugula for their delicate texture, but you can also use baby spinach or a mild lettuce blend, depending on what you like.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Festive Citrus Pomegranate Salad Recipe turns out every single time. It’s refreshing, colorful, and feels like a celebration on the plate—perfect when you want something bright and healthy among heavier holiday dishes. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could make such a spectacular result! If you want a salad that’ll wow your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen, give this one a go. I’m sure it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine!