If you’re looking for a vibrant, refreshing salad that captures the essence of the season, you’re in for a treat with this Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe. It’s one of those salads that tastes just as good as it looks—bursting with juicy citrus, crunchy candied pecans, and creamy feta, all tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. I promise, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to winter salad for weeknights or entertaining friends.

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Why This Recipe Works

Seasonal Freshness: The winter citrus segments bring juicy brightness that lifts the entire salad.
Balanced Flavors: Sweet, tangy, creamy, and nutty elements play beautifully together.
Easy Assembly: Minimal prep with a dressing you can whisk up in minutes.
Texture Contrast: Crunchy candied pecans provide that satisfying bite that keeps each forkful exciting.

Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta, winter citrus salad, festive fruit salad, healthy winter salad, citrus and feta appetizer - A clear glass bowl filled with four main layers is shown on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer consists of dark green mixed salad leaves covering the base. On top, on the right side, there is a pile of chopped brown pecans with a rough texture. Next to it, slightly to the left, there is a cluster of dark red pomegranate seeds with a shiny, smooth surface. At the front and left side, a thick layer of bright orange peeled tangerine slices with a smooth outer texture is placed. Between the tangerines and pecans, there is a sprinkling of crumbly white cheese with a soft texture. The bowl's transparent sides show the clear separation between each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe plays an important role in flavor, texture, or color, making the salad as delightful to eat as it is to look at. Here’s why I pick each one, along with my shopping tips to get the best result.

Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta, winter citrus salad, festive fruit salad, healthy winter salad, citrus and feta appetizer - Flat lay of fresh mixed spring greens loosely piled, bright orange mandarin segments neatly arranged, a small pile of glossy red pomegranate seeds, crumbled creamy white feta cheese, roughly chopped candied pecans, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, another small white bowl with thick honey, a small white bowl containing smooth Dijon mustard, a small white bowl holding pale amber apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl with finely minced shallot, neatly arranged salt and pepper grains in tiny white bowls, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Mixed spring greens: I love using a variety—baby spinach, arugula, and radicchio add subtle peppery notes and color.
Orange segments (mandarin, clementines, or tangerines): Go for the freshest, juiciest citrus you can find, and peel them carefully to keep the segments intact.
Pomegranate seeds: Fresh is best for that ruby sparkle, but dried cranberries work well if fresh pomegranates aren’t in season.
Feta cheese (crumbled): A good-quality, tangy feta adds creaminess and balances the sweet fruit.
Candied pecans: These bring sweet crunch—if you have time, making your own is fun and worth it!
Olive oil: Use a good extra-virgin olive oil for the dressing—it makes a difference in flavor.
Honey: Adds a gentle sweetness that ties all the ingredients together.
Dijon mustard: Gives a little zing and helps emulsify the dressing.
Apple cider vinegar: Provides a bright tang essential to balancing the dressing.
Shallot (minced): Adds subtle onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
Salt and pepper: Simple but crucial, they elevate all the flavors.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I always like to encourage you to put your own spin on this Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe. Whether you want to amp up the spice, swap ingredients, or adjust textures, feel free to make it truly yours.

Variation: Sometimes I swap candied pecans for toasted walnuts when I’m in a pinch, which adds a slightly different crunch but still tastes amazing.
Dietary Modification: For a vegan version, leave out the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese and use maple syrup in the dressing instead of honey.
Seasonal Switch: If you’re not into pomegranate, dried cranberries or fresh red grapes also work well and add a lovely pop of color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients Thoughtfully

Start by washing and drying your mixed greens thoroughly—wet leaves can make your salad soggy, and nobody wants that! Next, peel your citrus carefully to keep those bright juicy segments intact. I like to segment them over a bowl to catch any juice—bonus flavor boost for the dressing or to drizzle over at the end. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and crumble the feta so everything’s ready for assembly.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing

Combine olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and emulsified. This dressing is simple but packs a punch, coating the salad with that perfect tangy, sweet zing. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go—I always add a pinch more salt to bring out the flavors.

Step 3: Toss and Serve Immediately

Place your prepared salad ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the top to taste—you may not need all of it, so start small and add more as you toss gently. The goal is to lightly coat the greens and citrus without drowning them. Serve this salad straight away for the freshest bite and the best texture.

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Pro Tips for Making Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe

Dry Your Greens Well: I use a salad spinner to make sure my greens are crisp, which makes a huge difference in both texture and how well the dressing clings.
Segment Citrus Over a Bowl: This way you catch all the juice to add a little extra flavor to your salad or dressing.
Toast Your Pecans: Even if you use store-bought candied pecans, a quick warm-up in a pan refreshes their crunch and intensifies flavor.
Add Dressing Gradually: Start with less and add more as needed to avoid a soggy salad.

How to Serve Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite finishing touch is adding a sprinkle of extra feta and a few whole candied pecans on top for presentation—makes the salad feel a little fancy. If I have fresh herbs like mint or parsley, I toss in a small handful for a fresh, herbal brightness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs brilliantly with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a light, healthy meal. For a vegetarian option, I like serving it alongside warm quinoa or lentil dishes—balances out the freshness with some hearty warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or gatherings, I sometimes serve the salad in individual mason jars or clear glass cups. People love how colorful and festive it looks layered with greens, citrus, seeds, and cheese. Plus, single servings make passing dishes around the table easier and more elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (it’s rare, but it happens!), store the salad without dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I like to keep the dressing separate and toss again just before serving—this keeps everything crisp and fresh.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the fresh greens and juicy citrus don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing—they get mushy and watery. It’s best fresh!

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed. If paired with a warm main, just warm your protein separately and enjoy the salad chilled for contrast.

FAQs

Can I use other types of greens in this Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe?

Absolutely! While mixed spring greens provide a nice balance of flavors and textures, feel free to use baby spinach, arugula, or even kale if you prefer a heartier base. Just be sure to wash and dry them thoroughly.
What can I substitute for pomegranate seeds?

If fresh pomegranate seeds aren’t available, dried cranberries make a great alternative, lending sweetness and texture. You could also try fresh red grapes sliced in half for juicy bursts of flavor.
How do I make my own candied pecans for this salad?

It’s super easy! Toast pecans in a skillet until fragrant, then add a bit of butter and brown sugar or honey and cook, stirring, until coated and sticky. Spread them out on parchment paper to cool and harden before chopping.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?

You can prep all ingredients and dressing separately ahead of time, but I recommend tossing the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like sunshine on a chilly day. I vividly remember bringing it to a holiday potluck and getting compliments from people who usually aren’t salad fans—it’s that satisfying and flavorful. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do because it’s simple, stunning, and downright delicious. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you!

Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Tweak to Your Taste

Step-by-Step: How I Make Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe