Festive Winter Greens Salad

Description

Welcome to the festive season! Whether you’re looking to brighten your dinner table or add a splash of color to your winter gatherings, this Festive Winter Greens Salad is a perfect choice. Combining a lush mix of greens with the vibrant sweetness of fruits and a tangy dressing, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate.

Ingredients

• Salad:
  • 8 cups mixed greens, gently packed
  • 1 ripe pomegranate or 1 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries
  • 2 large oranges, pears, or apples
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • Pepitas or maple-cinnamon pecans (see recipe note 1)
• Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (see recipe note 2)
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons mayo

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preparing the Pecans

If you choose to add maple-cinnamon pecans, begin by preparing them according to the provided note in the recipe.

2. Making the Dressing

Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid. Add 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or to taste. Secure the lid and shake well. Refrigerate until ready to use, shaking again before dressing the salad.

3. Assembling the Salad

Place the mixed greens in a large bowl. Toss them with about half of the dressing until evenly coated. Add the sliced or chopped fruits (oranges, pears, or apples) along with the pomegranate arils and cranberries. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad, or adjust to taste.

4. Adding the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle the salad with the chosen nuts (pepitas or candied pecans) and crumbled cheese. Serve immediately to maintain the freshness and crunch of the greens.

Servings & Preparation Time

• Servings: Serves 6-8
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• It is best to store the dressing separately from the greens to keep them fresh.
• If you have leftovers, keep the greens, fruits, and nuts in separate containers in the refrigerator.
• Assemble and dress the salad only just before serving to ensure the best texture and taste.

Conclusion

The Festive Winter Greens Salad is a superb way to incorporate fresh, nutritious ingredients into your winter diet. Its combination of sweet and tangy flavors, along with the satisfying crunch of nuts, makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Enjoy making this delightful recipe, which not only brings a burst of color to your table but also offers a delicious way to enjoy the season’s best produce.

Festive Winter Greens Salad

---

• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6-8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Welcome to the festive season! Whether you’re looking to brighten your dinner table or add a splash of color to your winter gatherings, this Festive Winter Greens Salad is a perfect choice. Combining a lush mix of greens with the vibrant sweetness of fruits and a tangy dressing, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 cups mixed greens, gently packed
• 1 ripe pomegranate or 1 cup pomegranate arils
• 1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries
• 2 large oranges, pears, or apples
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
• Pepitas or maple-cinnamon pecans (see recipe note 1)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (see recipe note 2)
• 1–1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons mayo

---

Instructions

1. Preparing the Pecans If you choose to add maple-cinnamon pecans, begin by preparing them according to the provided note in the recipe.
2. Making the Dressing Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid. Add 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or to taste. Secure the lid and shake well. Refrigerate until ready to use, shaking again before dressing the salad.
3. Assembling the Salad Place the mixed greens in a large bowl. Toss them with about half of the dressing until evenly coated. Add the sliced or chopped fruits (oranges, pears, or apples) along with the pomegranate arils and cranberries. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad, or adjust to taste.
4. Adding the Finishing Touches Sprinkle the salad with the chosen nuts (pepitas or candied pecans) and crumbled cheese. Serve immediately to maintain the freshness and crunch of the greens.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes