This salad is a showstopper. It’s got everything—color, crunch, sweetness, tang, and just enough salty cheese to pull it all together.
The pomegranate seeds sparkle like little rubies, and every bite feels like Christmas. Plus, it takes almost no time to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
I started making this salad one December when I wanted something fresh and festive to balance out the heavier holiday dishes. It quickly became a tradition.
- It’s easy but feels fancy
- No cooking needed (just a quick toast if you want)
- The colors look stunning on the table
- The flavor combo is perfectly balanced—sweet, salty, tangy, and crunchy
- It goes with everything from roast chicken to holiday ham
What You’ll Need
- 5 oz mixed salad greens
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (toasted optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pro Tips
- Use fresh pomegranate seeds for the best texture and brightness
- Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes to boost flavor
- Slice the onion as thin as possible—this keeps the flavor from overpowering
- Crumble the feta by hand for bigger, softer chunks
- Don’t overdress—just enough vinaigrette to lightly coat everything
Tools You’ll Need
- Small bowl for dressing
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or whisk
- Serving bowl or plate
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap red wine vinegar for balsamic or apple cider vinegar
- Use goat cheese instead of feta
- Add sliced pear or apple for a fruity twist
- Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts
- Add cooked quinoa to bulk it up into a meal
Make Ahead Tips
- Make the dressing a day ahead and keep it in the fridge
- Toast and chop the walnuts ahead of time
- Slice the onion and store it covered in water to mellow the flavor
- Assemble right before serving to keep greens crisp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until fully blended.
Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add 5 oz mixed salad greens, ½ cup pomegranate seeds, ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese, ¼ thinly sliced red onion, and ¼ cup chopped walnuts.
Step 3: Add Dressing and Toss
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is lightly coated.
Leftovers and Storage
- Best eaten fresh, but will keep in the fridge up to 1 day
- Store dressing separately if planning to save for later
- If storing dressed salad, expect greens to soften but still taste good
Servings and Cook Time
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: None (optional to toast nuts)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Macros Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Carbs: 11g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Red wine vinegar adds acid to balance sweet pomegranate and honey
- Feta brings saltiness that pops with each bite
- Mixed greens offer texture without overwhelming the toppings
- The fat in olive oil helps absorb the nutrients in the greens and seeds
Common Mistakes
- Using too much dressing—keep it light
- Cutting the onion too thick—it overpowers the salad
- Skipping the salt in the dressing—it helps tie the flavors together
- Not toasting the walnuts—they’re more flavorful with a quick toast
What to Serve With
- Roasted turkey or chicken
- Glazed ham
- Butternut squash soup
- Savory tarts or quiche
- Cranberry-studded rice pilaf
FAQ
Can I use bottled pomegranate seeds?
Yes, just make sure they’re fresh and not mushy.
Can I skip the onion?
You can—just replace with something milder like thin-sliced green onion or leave it out.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, skip the feta or use a plant-based version, and swap honey for maple syrup.
How do I toast the walnuts?
Just add them to a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Final Thoughts
This Pomegranate Feta Christmas Salad is everything a holiday side should be—fresh, flavorful, and festive.
It’s one of those dishes that looks beautiful with barely any effort, and every bite delivers something special. Once you try it, it’ll definitely earn a spot in your holiday recipe rotation.