Winter Salad Wreath : A Beautiful Side for Holidays

The Winter Salad Wreath is a visually striking dish that brings a touch of festivity to your holiday table. This beautiful salad combines a variety of vibrant, seasonal ingredients to create a centerpiece that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. It’s perfect for the holiday season, offering a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a refreshing twist.

Imagine a wreath of fresh greens, adorned with citrus segments, pomegranate seeds, and crumbled feta, then topped with a generous sprinkle of candied pecans. The result is a dish that feels both seasonal and elegant—ideal for serving at family gatherings, Christmas dinners, or any holiday celebration.

This winter salad wreath isn’t just a visual treat; it’s packed with flavors and textures that will leave your guests asking for seconds. And the best part? It’s easy to assemble and offers plenty of room for customization based on your personal preferences or dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Winter Salad Wreath

This salad checks all the boxes:
• Visually Stunning: The wreath-shaped presentation adds a festive touch to your table.
• Bursting with Flavors: The sweetness of citrus, the tang of pomegranate, and the creaminess of feta create a harmonious flavor profile.
• Nutritious and Light: A refreshing balance to heavier holiday meals, packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
• Customizable: Easily modify the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions.

Ingredients for the Winter Salad Wreath

Here’s everything you need to make this Winter Salad Wreath:

For the salad:

• 7 cups mixed spring greens—This provides a fresh, crisp base. You can also use arugula, baby spinach, or other leafy greens if you prefer.
  • 1 ¼ cups orange segments—Mandarins, clementine’s, or tangerines work best for their sweetness and juiciness.
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds—These add vibrant color and a juicy pop of flavor. If pomegranate is out of season, dried cranberries are a great alternative.
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled – Adds a creamy, tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese is a great substitute.
  • ½ cup candied pecans—Their sweetness and crunch elevate the salad’s texture. Walnuts or slivered almonds can also be used for variation.

For the Dressing:

• ⅓ cup olive oil—the base of the vinaigrette, adding a smooth and rich texture.
  • 1 tbsp honey—A natural sweetener that complements the tartness of the citrus and pomegranate.
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard—Adds a mild tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar—Provides a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the olive oil.
  • 1 tbsp shallot, minced—Adds a delicate, sweet onion flavor.
  • Salt and pepper—to taste, enhancing all the flavors.

Necessary Tools:

• Large serving platter (preferably round for the wreath shape)
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork for dressing
  • Knife for chopping the pecans

How to Make the Winter Salad Wreath

This festive salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The steps are simple, and it’s all about layering the ingredients and creating a beautiful presentation. Let’s dive into the process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base
   Begin by arranging the mixed greens on a round serving platter to form a circular “wreath” shape. This is the foundation of your salad, so make sure it’s well-spread and even. Leave the center empty for the wreath effect, as this gives a striking visual that will be the highlight of your table.
2. Add Festive Colors and Texture
   Once the greens are in place, scatter the orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and chopped candied pecans evenly over the greens. Think of these ingredients as “ornaments” on your wreath. The bright orange and pomegranate bring festive color, while the pecans and feta add a delightful contrast of textures.

1. Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth. The mustard will help emulsify the oil and vinegar, giving the dressing a creamy consistency.
2. Dress the Wreath
   Drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad. Be careful not to over-soak the greens; you want just enough dressing to flavor the salad without wilting the leaves. You can always serve extra dressing on the side for guests who prefer more.
3. Garnish and Serve
   To give your wreath a final holiday touch, garnish it with a few sprigs of rosemary or a handful of extra pomegranate seeds. These simple additions make the salad even more festive and visually appealing. Once garnished, serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors at their best.
   

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

This Winter Salad Wreath is highly customizable, allowing you to make it your own with ingredient swaps:

• Citrus Alternatives: Swap oranges for grapefruit or blood oranges for a bolder, slightly tart flavor.
• Nuts: Try walnuts or slivered almonds instead of candied pecans for a different flavor and texture.
• Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese works beautifully as a substitute.
• Dressing Variations: Add a splash of orange juice to the dressing for a citrusy twist, or replace honey with maple syrup for a seasonal change.
  

What to Serve With the Winter Salad Wreath

This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday mains and sides. Here are some ideas to complete your festive meal:

• Mains: Serve with roast turkey, glazed ham, or a vegetarian nut roast.
• Sides: Complement the salad with warm dinner rolls, creamy mashed potatoes, or a butternut squash bisque.
• Beverages: A crisp white wine or sparkling water with a slice of citrus perfectly complements the freshness of the salad.
  

Tips for Making the Perfect Winter Salad Wreath

• Fresh is Best: For the best flavor and texture, use the freshest greens and citrus fruits. Freshness will ensure a crisp, vibrant salad.
• Layer Thoughtfully: Distribute the toppings evenly over the greens to create a balanced and beautiful wreath effect. This not only makes it visually stunning but also ensures that each bite is flavorful.
• Chill the Dressing: Preparing the dressing in advance and chilling it enhances the flavors. Letting the flavors meld together in the fridge for a few hours can elevate the taste.
  

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers or want to prepare the salad ahead of time, here’s how to store it:

• Leftover Salad: Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing should be stored separately to prevent the greens from wilting.
• Dressing: Keep the dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to shake or whisk the dressing before using it, as the ingredients may separate.

Winter Salad Wreath FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! The Winter Salad Wreath can be assembled ahead of time, but it’s best to dress the salad right before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp. You can prepare the salad base and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before serving, then drizzle the dressing just before serving for the best texture.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This salad is naturally vegetarian as it contains mixed greens, citrus, pomegranate, feta, and candied pecans. If you’re following a vegan diet, you can substitute the feta with vegan cheese or omit it entirely.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, you can use store-bought dressing, but for the best flavor and a personal touch, homemade dressing is recommended. The homemade apple cider vinaigrette in this recipe complements the fresh ingredients beautifully and adds a unique flavor profile that store-bought versions often lack.

What other ingredients can I add to the Winter Salad Wreath?

This salad is highly customizable! Feel free to add:

• Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for an extra burst of sweetness.

• Nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds for crunch.

• Cheese options like goat cheese, blue cheese, or parmesan for different flavors.

Can I prepare the Winter Salad Wreath without a round platter?

Yes, while a round platter gives the salad a wreath shape, you can assemble the salad on any type of serving dish. If you don’t have a round platter, simply create a loose, circular shape with the ingredients to maintain the wreath aesthetic.

Winter Salad Wreath Recipe Card 

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:
  • 7 cups mixed spring greens
  • 1 ¼ cups orange segments (mandarin, clementines, or tangerines)
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries)
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
• For the Dressing:
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp shallot, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
    

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base:
   Arrange the mixed greens on a round serving platter to form a circular “wreath” shape, leaving the center empty.
2. Add Festive Colors and Texture:
   Evenly scatter the orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and chopped candied pecans over the greens, creating a beautiful wreath effect.
3. Make the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
4. Dress the Wreath:
   Drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad. Be sure to not over-soak the greens, just enough to flavor them without wilting the leaves.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish the salad with a few sprigs of rosemary or additional pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. Serve immediately.
   

Notes:

• Customize the Ingredients: Swap out oranges for grapefruit or blood oranges, or use walnuts or almonds instead of candied pecans.
• Make Ahead: The salad can be assembled ahead of time but should be dressed right before serving to keep it fresh.
• Storage: Store leftover salad undressed in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store dressing in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)

Total Time: 15 minutes

Method: No-cook

Cuisine: American, Holiday