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Healthy Winter Salad with Mandarins and Pomegranate

A vibrant and nutritious winter salad featuring fresh mixed greens, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy pomegranate seeds, pecans, and feta cheese, all tossed in a homemade maple mustard vinaigrette.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Winter
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 6 cups mixed greens spinach, arugula, or spring mix
  • 1 cup mandarin oranges segments, fresh or canned (drained)
  • 0.5 cup pomegranate seeds arils
  • 0.5 cup pecans chopped
  • 0.33 cup feta cheese crumbled (or goat cheese)
Maple Mustard Vinaigrette
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly cracked

Equipment

  • Large serving bowl
  • Small mason jar or bowl
  • Whisk
  • Skillet (for toasting nuts)

Method
 

  1. Optional: Place chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until completely emulsified.
  3. In a large serving bowl, add the mixed greens.
  4. Top the greens evenly with mandarin orange segments, pomegranate seeds, cooled toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
  5. Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

To make ahead, prepare all ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator. Dress the salad only right before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.