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Healthy Winter Salad with Mandarins and Pomegranate

A vibrant, crisp winter salad loaded with mixed greens, sweet mandarin oranges, bright pomegranate seeds, crunchy pecans, and feta cheese, all tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 8 cups mixed salad greens baby spinach, spring mix, or arugula
  • 3 mandarin oranges peeled and segmented
  • 0.75 cup pomegranate arils
  • 0.5 cup pecans roughly chopped and toasted
  • 0.33 cup feta cheese crumbled
Citrus Balsamic Dressing
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.125 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large serving bowl
  • Small Skillet
  • Mason jar with lid
  • Salad tongs

Method
 

  1. Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. In a small mason jar, combine the olive oil, vinegar, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Seal the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
  3. In a large serving bowl, place the washed and dried mixed greens.
  4. Top the greens evenly with the mandarin orange segments, pomegranate arils, cooled toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
  5. Right before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

To make ahead, prepare all the ingredients and the dressing, but store them separately in the refrigerator. Toss everything together just before serving to keep the greens crisp.