Easy Christmas Salad (The Best Holiday Recipe)

Discover an easy Christmas salad recipe with fresh spinach, creamy feta, crunchy almonds, juicy oranges, and pomegranate seeds, topped with a simple homemade dressing. Perfect for adding a festive and healthy touch to your holiday table!

With Christmas around the corner, I’ve got the perfect easy salad recipe for you. This one’s a winner, combining fresh spinach, creamy feta cheese, crunchy sliced almonds, juicy oranges, and those little pops of pomegranate goodness. 

Plus, the dressing is a simple mix you can whip up in no time. Look no further this holiday season for your next Christmas salad recipe.

If you love holiday treats you may like to try my 43 Gluten-Free Christmas Desserts.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS EASY CHRISTMAS SALAD RECIPE

• Festive and Colorful: The vibrant mix of spinach, oranges, and pomegranate seeds makes this salad a showstopper on any holiday table.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious meal.
• Flavorful: The combination of creamy feta, sweet oranges, and a tangy homemade dressing creates a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it pairs well with a variety of holiday dishes.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE FESTIVE CHRISTMAS SALAD RECIPE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this salad for Christmas dinner (the exact measurements, nutrition information and the printable recipe card are all below):

• Fresh spinach leaves
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Sliced almonds
• Mandarin oranges
• Pomegranate seeds
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Dijon mustard
• Honey or maple syrup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic, minced
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional – red onion, pine nuts, tart cranberries, mixed greens, lemon juice, honeycrisp apples, goat cheese, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THIS FESTIVE SALAD

1. Rinse and dry the spinach leaves. Place them in a large salad bowl.
2. Crumble the feta cheese and sprinkle it over the spinach.
3. Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden brown. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
4. Peel the oranges, remove the white pith, and separate into segments. Add them to the bowl.
5. Sprinkle the pomegranate arils on top for that festive touch.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic.
7. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
9. For best results, serve the salad right away so it’s fresh and crisp.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Fresh Spinach: Use fresh, baby spinach for the best texture and flavor. Make sure to rinse and dry the leaves thoroughly.
• Toasting Almonds: Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes until golden brown to enhance their flavor and crunch.
• Segmenting Oranges: Take your time to remove the white pith from the orange segments for a cleaner look and better taste.
• Homemade Dressing: Whisk the dressing ingredients until well combined for a smooth and consistent flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• Mixing: Toss the salad gently to ensure even distribution of ingredients without bruising the spinach.
• Serving: Dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and fresh.
• Make-Ahead: Prep the ingredients ahead of time but keep them separate until you’re ready to assemble and serve the salad.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER SALAD

• Separate Dressing: If possible, store the dressing separately in an airtight container. This helps keep the salad from getting soggy.
• Airtight Container: Place the leftover salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Refrigeration: Store the salad in the refrigerator. Consume within 1-2 days for the best quality.
• Reviving Salad: If the spinach starts to wilt, you can add a fresh handful of spinach to revive the salad before serving again.

FAQS

WHAT MAKES THIS HOLIDAY SALAD RECIPE A GREAT ADDITION TO MY HOLIDAY MEAL?

This salad combines fresh ingredients like spinach, juicy pomegranates, and sweet citrus fruits, creating a beautiful Christmas salad that adds a burst of color and flavor to your holiday meal.

CAN I USE KALE INSTEAD OF SPINACH IN THIS RECIPE?

Absolutely! Kale salad is a great way to add more nutrients and a different texture. Just make sure to massage the kale with a bit of olive oil to soften it.

CAN I PREPARE THIS SALAD AHEAD OF TIME FOR A CHRISTMAS MEAL OR THANKSGIVING SALADS?

Yes, you can prepare most of the ingredients ahead of time. Just keep the salad dressing separate and toss it with the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS APPETIZERS TO SERVE ALONGSIDE THIS SALAD?

Yes, you can prepare most of the ingredients ahead of time. Just keep the salad dressing separate and toss it with the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.

Other Recipes To Add To Your Holiday Menu!

• Red Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip
• Strawberry Balsamic Whipped Feta
• Low Carb Spinach Dip
• Easy Baked Brie With Apricot Jalapeño Jam
• Healthy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
• Easy Champagne Jello Shots With Vodka
• Snowglobe Cocktail Recipe (Gin & Tonic)
• Christmas Ornament Cocktail Recipe
• Holiday Gin Sour Recipe
• Christmas Chocolate Pretzel Wreaths
• Easy Snowman Cake Pops

IF YOU TRIED THIS SIMPLE SALAD PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY GATHERING ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails