Description

A refreshing and vibrant Winter Salad featuring mixed greens, fresh pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, and seasonal fruits like oranges, pears, or apples. Tossed in a homemade maple-cinnamon dressing, topped with crumbled feta cheese and crunchy pepitas, this salad is perfect for a light and nutritious meal during the colder months.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

8 cups mixed greens
1 ripe pomegranate (or 1 cup pomegranate arils)
1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries
2 large oranges (or pears or apples)
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
Pepitas (to taste)

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1–1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt and pepper (start with 1/4 teaspoon each, to taste)

Instructions

Prepare Pecans (Optional): If making maple-cinnamon pecans, prepare them first according to your preferred recipe or note 1 if available. This adds a sweet and crunchy element to your salad.
Make Dressing: Combine olive oil, maple syrup, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, and mayonnaise in a jar with a lid. Add salt and pepper starting with 1/4 teaspoon each. Shake well until fully emulsified. Refrigerate the dressing, and shake again before using to ensure ingredients are well mixed.
Assemble Salad Greens: In a large bowl, add the mixed greens. Toss with about half of the prepared dressing until the greens are evenly coated and lightly dressed.
Add Fruits & Toppings: Add pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced or chopped oranges, pears, or apples to the greens. Drizzle with the remaining dressing or more to taste, for extra flavor.
Finish with Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese across the salad, then add pepitas or your choice of candied nuts for crunch.
Serve Promptly: This salad is best served immediately, as the dressing can quickly wilt the greens and toppings. If not serving all at once, dress only the portion you plan to eat and store the rest separately without dressing.

Notes

Maple-cinnamon pecans prepare well in advance and add a wonderful sweet crunch to the salad.
The salad is not ideal for storing long after dressing due to wilting; dress only the portion to be served immediately.
Fruit choice is flexible—use oranges, pears, or apples based on seasonal availability or preference.
Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese if preferred.
Pepitas add texture, but candied nuts work well too.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Winter Salad, Mixed Greens Salad, Pomegranate Salad, Maple Dressing, Holiday Salad, Seasonal Fruit Salad