Pomegranate Christmas Salad

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This Pomegranate Christmas Salad is the festive showstopper your holiday table needs. With its vibrant colors, sweet-tart flavor bursts, and crunchy textures, it’s everything you want in a winter salad. The jewel-like pomegranate arils glisten against a bed of fresh greens, while avocado slices add creamy richness and candied pecans deliver a buttery crunch that keeps guests going back for seconds.

Whether you’re hosting a formal holiday dinner or looking for a refreshing side dish to balance out the heavier mains, this salad strikes the perfect note. The blue cheese crumbles bring a touch of sharpness, and the simple vinaigrette ties everything together with just the right amount of tang. It’s wholesome, beautiful, and completely crave-worthy.

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What Kind of Greens Should I Use?

This salad is flexible, but a mix of baby arugula and spring greens works best for flavor and texture. The peppery bite of arugula plays off the sweetness of the pomegranate and pecans, while the softer greens hold up well to the vinaigrette and toppings. Avoid overly watery lettuces like iceberg, as they can dilute the punchy flavors.

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Ingredients for the Pomegranate Christmas Salad

• Spring Greens or Arugula Mix: The crisp, peppery base for all your flavors to build on.
• Pomegranate Arils: Bright, juicy pops of flavor and color that make this salad festive and fresh.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy and mild, avocado balances the sharpness of the cheese and vinaigrette.
• Candied Pecans: Adds sweet crunch and a toasty depth—perfect contrast to the tender greens.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: Brings tangy richness and depth; optional but highly recommended.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette: The sweet-acidic dressing that ties it all together. A homemade version with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, and maple syrup works beautifully.

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How To Make the Pomegranate Christmas Salad

Step 1: Prep the Greens

Rinse your spring mix and arugula gently under cold water. Use a salad spinner to dry thoroughly or pat with paper towels. Spread them evenly in a large serving bowl or on a festive platter.

Step 2: Slice the Avocados

Cut ripe avocados in half, remove the pits, and slice each half into thin wedges. Gently fan them out over the bed of greens for a beautiful presentation.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Pomegranate Arils

Remove the arils from one large pomegranate (or use pre-packaged arils for ease). Scatter them generously across the salad, allowing them to tuck between the avocado slices and greens.

Step 4: Add the Candied Pecans

Toss in a handful of candied pecans. You can use store-bought or homemade by caramelizing pecan halves with a little brown sugar and butter on the stovetop. They add that perfect sweet crunch.

Step 5: Crumble the Blue Cheese

Sprinkle crumbles of blue cheese over the salad. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, goat cheese or feta also work nicely. The goal is to add a punchy, creamy contrast.

Step 6: Drizzle the Vinaigrette

Right before serving, drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. If you’re making your own, whisk together 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Whisk until emulsified and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Toss lightly if desired or serve as-is to preserve the presentation. This salad is best served fresh so the greens stay crisp and the avocado doesn’t brown.

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How to Serve and Store This Holiday Salad

The Pomegranate Christmas Salad is best served immediately after drizzling the vinaigrette. For a family-style dinner, arrange it beautifully in a wide, shallow bowl or on a platter to showcase the vibrant layers. You can also serve it deconstructed—placing each topping in small bowls so guests can build their own plate.

If you’re preparing ahead, assemble the salad without the avocado or vinaigrette. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours. Just before serving, add the avocado and dressing to keep the ingredients fresh and the presentation clean.

Leftovers? While best fresh, you can refrigerate any dressed salad in an airtight container for up to a day. The greens may wilt slightly, but the flavors will still shine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep avocado from browning in the salad?

Use freshly sliced avocado right before serving. If prepping in advance, brush the slices with a little lemon juice to slow oxidation.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the blue cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The salad is still rich in flavor and texture without it.

What’s a good substitute for candied pecans?

Toasted walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds can work well. You’ll still get that nutty crunch without added sweetness if preferred.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Absolutely. A good quality balsamic vinaigrette from the store can save time. Just choose one without too much added sugar or artificial flavors.

How far in advance can I assemble the salad?

You can layer the greens, pomegranate, and nuts up to 6 hours in advance. Keep it chilled and wait until just before serving to add the avocado and vinaigrette.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

It can be, with a few tweaks. Store ingredients separately and combine just before eating. This keeps the greens crisp and the avocado fresh.

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Want More Salad Ideas Bursting with Flavor?

If this Pomegranate Christmas Salad brightened up your table, you’ll want to try these other refreshing creations packed with color and crunch:

• Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad with juicy apples and a creamy dressing.
• Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad if you’re craving fruity and creamy in one bite.
• Super Crunch Salad for bold textures and tangy vinaigrette.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding if you want something sweet to pair it with.

Each one brings its own twist, perfect for brunches, picnics, or holiday gatherings.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it anytime.

And when you try it out, tell me how yours turned out! Did you go with blue cheese or swap in something else? Were there any surprise hits at the table?

I love hearing your takes—drop your results or questions in the comments.

Find more festive salads and everyday recipes on my Pinterest: Life with Nina

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