If there’s one dish that could steal the holiday table spotlight, it’s this Holiday Salad—a bowl of cheerful colors, sparkling pomegranate arils, and bursts of flavor from sweet mandarins, crunchy toasted pecans, and tangy goat cheese. Bright baby spinach gleams beneath a honeyed, lime-kissed Dijon dressing, and each forkful feels like a celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want something festive any time of year, this salad is always a show-stopper and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Holiday Salad really comes from its dazzling mix of simple ingredients. Every element brings something different to the bowl—texture, taste, or a pop of color—making each bite irresistible. Gather everything fresh, and you’re just minutes away from salad bliss!

Extra virgin olive oil: Fresh, high-quality olive oil forms the creamy, flavorful base of the dressing—don’t skimp here!
Dijon mustard: This tangy mustard gives the dressing its sharp, zippy kick—key for balancing honey’s sweetness.
Honey: Adds a smooth layer of natural sweetness that shines against the tartness of the fruit and lime.
Large lime (freshly squeezed): The acidity of lime juice brightens up the whole salad and makes everything pop.
Baby spinach: Tender, vibrant, and nutrient-packed, spinach makes the perfect leafy foundation for our Holiday Salad.
Pecan halves (toasted, some chopped): Toasted pecans offer amazing crunch and a warm, nutty richness.
Dried cranberries: Sweet, chewy, and jewel-like, cranberries are always a must for festive salads.
Mandarin oranges (peeled, segmented): These juicy segments bring a citrusy sparkle and a pop of color.
Goat cheese (crumbled): Silky, slightly tangy goat cheese melts into each bite, adding richness and contrast.
Pomegranate arils (or more): Gem-like pomegranate seeds deliver a burst of freshness and a stunning look.

How to Make Holiday Salad

Step 1: Make the Salad Dressing

Grab a mason jar or any small bowl and add the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Give it a really good whisk (or shake if using a jar) until everything is perfectly blended and the mixture turns creamy and slightly thick. Taste and add a bit more lime if you love extra tang.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Make sure your baby spinach leaves are washed and thoroughly dried—it keeps the salad crisp. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until gently fragrant, then chop half of them while leaving the rest whole for lovely texture. Peel and segment your mandarins, crumble the goat cheese, and get those vibrant pomegranate arils ready.

Step 3: Assembly (Individual Bowls)

For presentation that truly wows, arrange each salad individually. Layer a generous handful of spinach into each bowl, then scatter over the cranberries, pecans, mandarin segments, creamy goat cheese, and pomegranate arils. Finish with a drizzle of your freshly whisked dressing right before serving.

Step 4: Assembly (Large Bowl Option)

If you’re feeding a crowd, combine the spinach, cranberries, mandarins, and goat cheese in a large serving bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss everything gently to coat. Right before serving, top the salad with your toasted pecan mixture and a final shower of pomegranate arils for maximum crunch and color.

How to Serve Holiday Salad

Garnishes

This Holiday Salad loves a little extra flourish! Add more pomegranate arils or a crumble of extra goat cheese on top for an eye-catching finishing touch. A crack of fresh black pepper or a sprinkle of fine sea salt never hurts if you feel adventurous.

Side Dishes

Serve your Holiday Salad alongside roast turkey, baked ham, or a vegetarian main for a beautifully balanced feast. It’s great with crusty bread, grain pilafs, or even a warm soup to start—there’s really no wrong pairing!

Creative Ways to Present

Try building the Holiday Salad on a large platter for a “family style” look, or use small glasses for individual servings at a cocktail party. Sometimes, filling radicchio cups with salad portions is fun and festive for a twist on tradition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Holiday Salad, pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. The spinach may soften a bit, but the flavors mellow and blend deliciously overnight.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Holiday Salad. The delicate greens and juicy fruit don’t hold up well after thawing, so enjoy the freshness while it lasts.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s really no need to reheat. If you’re prepping ahead, simply give everything a gentle toss before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?

Absolutely! Feta or creamy blue cheese also work beautifully—just choose something with tang to complement the sweetness of the fruit.

Is it okay to make the dressing in advance?

Yes, you can whisk the dressing up to three days ahead and keep it sealed in the fridge. Just shake or stir well before each use.

What if I can’t find pomegranate arils?

Try substituting with fresh raspberries or even chopped dried apricots—they add similar bursts of flavor and color to your Holiday Salad.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even chickpeas are wonderful additions if you’d like to turn this salad into a more filling meal.

Is there a nut-free option?

Of course! Substitute the pecans with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch without nuts.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a vibrant, delicious Holiday Salad around the table with your favorite people. Try it once, and it just might become your new tradition—simple, joyful, and always impressive!

Laura

Holiday Salad Recipe