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Healthy Winter Salad with Pomegranate & Mandarin

A vibrant and festive salad featuring mixed greens, juicy mandarins, pomegranate arils, toasted pecans, and feta, all tossed in a homemade maple-cider vinaigrette. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunch for the holiday season.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 5 cups mixed salad greens spinach, arugula, or spring mix
  • 3 medium mandarin oranges peeled and segmented
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds arils
  • 1 cup pecans toasted and roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced (optional)
Maple Cider Vinaigrette
  • 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup pure
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 pinch salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small jar or whisk
  • Skillet (for nuts)
  • Salad tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) or heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
  2. Toast the pecans for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Remove from heat immediately and let cool completely.
  3. In a jar or small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  4. Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl.
  5. Top the greens with mandarin segments, pomegranate seeds, cooled pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad just before serving.
  7. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.

Notes

To prepare ahead, keep the dressing in a jar and the salad ingredients in separate containers. Toss just before eating to keep the greens crisp.