Festive Winter Salad with Oranges, Pomegranate & Candied Pecans – Bright, Fresh, and Holiday-Perfect
There’s something truly magical about a winter salad that feels just as festive as the season itself. This Festive Winter Salad with Oranges, Pomegranate & Candied Pecans is everything a cold-weather salad should be—bright, colorful, crisp, and balanced with sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that instantly lightens a heavy holiday table and brings a burst of freshness to winter meals.
Winter cooking often leans toward rich, cozy comfort foods, which makes a vibrant salad like this not just welcome—but necessary. Juicy citrus oranges bring natural sweetness and brightness, while pomegranate arils add a pop of tart flavor and jewel-like color. Candied pecans contribute crunch and warmth with their caramelized coating, creating a beautiful contrast to the crisp greens underneath.
This salad feels elegant enough for Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s celebrations, yet it’s simple enough to throw together for a weeknight meal when you want something refreshing. The ingredients are easy to find during the winter months, making this a go-to seasonal recipe you’ll come back to year after year.
The citrus vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. Light, zesty, and slightly sweet, it enhances the fruit without overpowering the greens. Each forkful delivers contrast—crunchy pecans, juicy fruit, tender greens—and that’s what makes this salad so satisfying.
Whether served as a starter, a side dish, or even a light lunch with added protein, this festive winter salad proves that salads don’t have to be boring. They can be celebratory, cozy, and completely crave-worthy.
Ingredients:
- Mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix)
- Fresh oranges
- Pomegranate arils
- Raw pecans
- Granulated sugar
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar or fresh orange juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the candied pecans. In a small skillet over medium heat, add the pecans and sugar.
- Stir constantly as the sugar melts and coats the pecans evenly.
- Once the pecans are glossy and caramelized, transfer them to parchment paper to cool completely.
- Peel the oranges and slice into rounds or segments, removing any excess pith.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Arrange the mixed greens in a large serving bowl or platter.
- Top with orange slices and scatter pomegranate arils evenly over the greens.
- Sprinkle cooled candied pecans on top.
- Drizzle with citrus vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Let the candied pecans cool completely so they stay crunchy.
- Use seedless or easy-peel oranges like navel or cara cara for best results.
- Add dressing right before serving to keep greens crisp.
- A light hand with dressing keeps the salad fresh and vibrant.
Festive Winter Salad with Oranges, Pomegranate & Candied Pecans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Caramelize pecans with sugar in a skillet and cool.
- Prepare oranges and pomegranate arils.
- Whisk together vinaigrette ingredients.
- Assemble greens, fruit, and pecans.
- Drizzle with dressing and serve.
Notes
Variations
- Cheese Addition: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess.
- Extra Citrus: Mix in grapefruit segments for added tartness.
- Protein Boost: Top with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or chickpeas.
- Nut Swap: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with roasted meats, baked chicken, glazed ham, or vegetarian mains. It’s perfect alongside holiday casseroles, pasta dishes, or soups and works well as a refreshing counterbalance to rich meals.
Storage Information
Store salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving for best texture and flavor.
FAQ
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, prep ingredients in advance and assemble before serving.
- Are candied pecans necessary? They add sweetness and crunch, but plain toasted nuts also work.
- Can I use bottled dressing? Homemade vinaigrette is recommended, but a citrus-based store-bought option works in a pinch.
History / Fun Facts
Pomegranates have long been associated with winter celebrations due to their seasonal availability and vibrant color. Combined with citrus, they’ve become a holiday favorite in salads across many cuisines, symbolizing abundance and freshness during colder months.
