Bright, colorful, and bursting with seasonal flavor

If you’re looking for a holiday dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Festive Christmas Salad is the perfect addition to your Christmas table. Packed with vibrant greens, juicy fruit, crunchy nuts, and a sweet-tart dressing, this salad delivers the ultimate combination of flavor, color, and texture. It’s refreshing, elegant, and festive enough to complement any holiday feast—from roast turkey and ham to prime rib and Christmas casseroles.

Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or bringing a dish to a holiday gathering, this Christmas salad is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

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⭐ Why This Christmas Salad Works

This salad is a holiday favorite for many reasons:

• Colorful and festive – Red pomegranate seeds, green spinach, and white feta mimic the colors of Christmas beautifully.
• Light and refreshing – Perfect for balancing out rich holiday meals.
• Simple to assemble – Ready in just minutes, with zero complicated steps.
• Customizable – Swap out fruits, nuts, or cheese based on taste preferences.
• Crowd-pleasing flavors – Sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy in every bite.

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Salad

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach (or spring mix)
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (or dried cranberries)
• 1 medium red apple, chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese or goat cheese
• ½ cup candied pecans or toasted walnuts
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• Optional: ½ cup mandarin oranges or fresh pear slices

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For the Christmas Dressing

A sweet-and-tangy homemade vinaigrette brings everything together.

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional holiday twist: add ½ teaspoon orange zest or a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Festive Christmas Salad

1. Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Set aside to allow flavors to blend.

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2. Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, add:

• Baby spinach
• Sliced strawberries
• Apple chunks
• Red onion
• Pomegranate seeds
• Pecans or walnuts
• Feta or goat cheese

Gently toss to combine.

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3. Dress & Serve

Right before serving, drizzle the homemade vinaigrette evenly over the salad.
Toss lightly, garnish with extra pomegranate seeds or nuts, and enjoy!

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🍽 Tips for the Best Christmas Salad

✔ Choose crisp, fresh greens

Spinach, arugula, and spring mix all work wonderfully.

✔ Don’t add the dressing too early

The fruit and greens stay fresher and crisper if you dress the salad just before serving.

✔ Use candied nuts for extra crunch

Candied pecans or walnuts add a sweet, festive touch.

✔ Mix and match seasonal fruit

This salad is delicious with combinations of:

• Oranges
• Pears
• Cranberries
• Grapes
• Kiwi
• Raspberries

✔ Add protein for a full meal

Turn it into a complete Christmas entrée by adding:

• Grilled chicken
• Roasted turkey
• Baked salmon

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🎄 Variations for Your Holiday Table

1. Winter Pear & Walnut Salad

Swap apples for pears and add blue cheese for a gourmet twist.

2. Cranberry Christmas Salad

Use dried cranberries, orange segments, and toasted almonds.

3. Maple Pecan Holiday Salad

Add maple-roasted pecans and use maple syrup in the dressing.

4. Keto/Low-Carb Version

Skip the fruit and use avocado, cucumber, and pecans.

5. Dairy-Free Version

Use toasted nuts instead of cheese, or replace with vegan feta.

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🎁 Make-Ahead Instructions

• Chop fruit and mix dressing up to 24 hours early.
• Store dressing separately.
• Assemble salad without dressing and nuts (they soften).
• Add dressing, cheese, and nuts right before serving to keep the texture perfect.

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❄️ Serving Suggestions

This festive salad pairs beautifully with:

• Christmas turkey
• Honey-glazed ham
• Roasted chicken
• Prime rib
• Holiday casseroles
• Creamy soups like butternut squash or potato

It’s also a refreshing side dish for Christmas Eve parties and potlucks.

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🎅 FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep ingredients in advance, but assemble and dress right before serving.

What other cheeses work?

Goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved parmesan all taste amazing.

Can I use bottled dressing?

You can, but homemade tastes fresher and more festive.

What if I don’t like pomegranate?

Substitute dried cranberries, blueberries, grapes, or raspberries.

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⭐ Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Salad is truly a show-stopping holiday dish—colorful, refreshing, and full of seasonal flavor. It’s the perfect balance to rich Christmas mains and desserts, bringing brightness and crunch to your holiday table.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a simple holiday side, this salad delivers both beauty and deliciousness in every bite.

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