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Fresh Winter Salad with Clementines, Pomegranate & Feta

Fresh Winter Salad with Clementines Pomegranate Feta - featured image

A vibrant, refreshing winter salad featuring juicy clementines, crunchy pomegranate seeds, creamy feta, and crisp greens, tossed in a tangy citrus dressing. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a healthy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups mixed winter greens (baby spinach, arugula, or kale)
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 medium clementines, peeled and segmented
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
  • 1 small apple, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 3 oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or orange juice)
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse mixed winter greens in cold water. Spin dry or pat with a towel and place in a large mixing bowl. If using kale, massage leaves with a splash of olive oil for 30 seconds.
  2. Peel clementines and separate into segments. Thinly slice apple and red onion. Add to the bowl with greens.
  3. If using a whole pomegranate, slice in half and tap out arils. If using pre-packaged, measure out 1/2 cup.
  4. Toast walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and slightly darker. (Optional)
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
  6. Drizzle half the dressing over greens and fruit. Toss gently until coated. Add nuts and crumble feta cheese over the top. Toss lightly again.
  7. Taste and add more dressing if needed. Garnish with extra pomegranate seeds and mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best texture, toss salad with dressing and cheese just before serving. Massage kale leaves for tenderness. Toast nuts for extra flavor but watch closely to avoid burning. Apples can be tossed with lemon juice to prevent browning. Swap feta for goat cheese or vegan cheese for dietary needs. Store leftovers with dressing and cheese separate for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: winter salad, clementines, pomegranate, feta, healthy salad, gluten-free, vegetarian, holiday salad, easy salad, fruit salad