Description
This Citrus Christmas Salad is a bright and festive holiday side dish featuring juicy navel oranges, fresh pomegranate arils, tangy crumbled goat cheese, and sweet candied pecans, all tossed in a luscious orange-maple vinaigrette. It's a colorful, refreshing salad that's make-ahead friendly and perfect for adding vibrant flavor and elegance to your Christmas dinner table.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4-6 cups mixed greens
- 2-3 large navel oranges
- ¾ cup pomegranate arils
- ½-⅔ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ½ cup candied pecans, halved or left whole
Maple-Cider Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp maple syrup
- 3 Tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small jar or measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Cover the dressing and refrigerate it until ready to use to allow the flavors to meld.
- Slice the oranges: Cut a slice off the top and bottom of each orange to expose the flesh. Stand the orange upright on the cutting board and, following its contour, carefully slice off the peel and white pith to reveal the flesh completely. Then slice the orange along each segment line into individual segments or slices.
- Assemble and serve: In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate arils, crumbled goat cheese, and candied pecans. Pour in your desired amount of the orange-maple vinaigrette and toss gently until the salad is evenly coated. Alternatively, for added texture, you can dress the salad first and then top individual bowls with candied pecans.
- Serve immediately: Serve the citrus Christmas salad fresh to enjoy the crisp greens and juicy fruits at their best.
Notes
- The quantities for the salad ingredients can be adjusted to your personal preference; feel free to add more or less of any ingredient to suit your taste.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be prepped ahead by making the dressing and slicing the fruit in advance.
- Candied pecans add a wonderful crunch and sweetness—if unavailable, toasted pecans with a drizzle of maple syrup can be substituted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Holiday
