Description
A vibrant and refreshing Winter Salad combining mixed spring greens, juicy mandarin orange segments, tangy pomegranate seeds, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a sweet and tangy homemade dressing with honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and shallots. Perfect as a light meal or a festive side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 1/4 cups mandarin orange segments (or oranges, clementines, or tangerines)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (can substitute dried cranberries)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
For the Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: Place the mixed spring greens, mandarin orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped candied pecans into a large salad bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture to taste, then gently toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients. You may have some dressing left over.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Substitute pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries for a different texture and sweetness.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or replace with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Candied pecans can be replaced with toasted walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- If fresh shallots are unavailable, finely chopped red onion can be used as a substitute.
- The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; whisk again before using.
- Serve immediately to prevent the greens from wilting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
