Save A festive, vibrant salad featuring chopped green vegetables, bright pomegranate seeds, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This salad has become a staple at our holiday table, loved by all for its refreshing flavors and festive presentation.
Ingredients
- Greens: 2 cups kale leaves, finely chopped (stems removed), 1 cup baby spinach chopped, 1 cup broccoli florets finely chopped, 1 cup cucumber diced
- Vegetables & Fruit: 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced, 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
- Cheese & Nuts: 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled, 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts roughly chopped
- Dressing: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine kale, spinach, broccoli, and cucumber.
- Step 2:
- Massage the kale gently with a drizzle of olive oil for 1–2 minutes to soften.
- Step 3:
- Add red bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, and red onion to the greens and toss gently.
- Step 4:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 5:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 6:
- Top with crumbled feta and toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Step 7:
- Transfer to a serving platter. For a festive touch, shape the salad into a Christmas tree and decorate with extra pomegranate seeds and feta.
Save This salad always brings the family together around the table, sparking joy with every festive bite.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, small bowl for dressing, whisk, chopping board and knife, salad tongs
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pecans/walnuts). Omit nuts for nut allergies; double-check cheese for dairy allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 6 g per serving
Save Enjoy this fresh and festive salad for a perfect holiday appetizer or side dish.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I soften the kale for this salad?
Massage the finely chopped kale gently with a drizzle of olive oil for 1–2 minutes until it slightly wilts and becomes tender.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in this salad?
Yes, pumpkin seeds are a great nut-free alternative. Toast them lightly for added crunch and flavor.
- → Is feta cheese necessary for this dish?
Feta adds a creamy, tangy element but can be omitted or replaced with vegan cheese to suit dietary preferences.
- → What dressing ingredients enhance the salad’s flavor?
A blend of olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper creates a balanced, zesty dressing.
- → How can I make this salad look festive for holiday gatherings?
Shape the mixed salad into a Christmas tree form on a serving platter and decorate with extra pomegranate seeds and crumbled feta for a colorful presentation.