Save A festive, vibrant salad featuring chopped green vegetables, bright pomegranate seeds, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I enjoy making this salad every Christmas because it brings fresh color and festive cheer to the table, plus everyone appreciates the crunchy texture combined with creamy feta.
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 is a family favorite every holiday season and sparks joy as we gather around the table to share stories and laughter.
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 or walnuts). Omit nuts for nut allergies; double-check cheese for dairy allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210 per serving, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 6 g
Save This salad combines festive colors with fresh flavors and is sure to brighten any holiday meal.
Common Questions
- → What greens are used in this salad?
Kale, baby spinach, and finely chopped broccoli provide a fresh, crisp base.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in the salad?
Yes, toasted pecans or walnuts can be swapped with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
- → How do you soften the kale before mixing?
Gently massage the chopped kale with a bit of olive oil for 1–2 minutes to tenderize the leaves.
- → What dressing flavors this salad?
The dressing combines olive oil, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper for a bright, balanced taste.
- → Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it’s vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- → How can I present this salad festively?
Shape the salad into a Christmas tree and decorate with extra pomegranate seeds and crumbled feta for a holiday touch.