Description
A refreshing Winter Salad featuring mixed spring greens, sweet orange segments, tart pomegranate seeds, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect for a light, healthy side or starter during colder months.
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 roughly chopped candied pecans
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, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped candied pecans into a large bowl to combine the main salad ingredients.
- 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 emulsified.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture as desired, then gently toss the salad to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately, using any leftover dressing as desired.
Notes
- Substitute pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries if fresh seeds are unavailable.
- Candied pecans can be replaced with regular toasted pecans for a less sweet option.
- Use fresh orange segments for best flavor; canned or packaged segments may add extra sweetness or moisture.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; whisk again before using.
- For a vegan option, omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
