When winter arrives, our tables naturally gravitate toward comfort foods — hearty roasts, creamy casseroles, and warm breads. But tucked between those rich dishes, there’s always room for something bright, fresh, and celebratory. Festive Winter Salad with Oranges, Pomegranate & Candied Pecans is that dish: vibrant, balanced, and unapologetically beautiful.

This salad isn’t an afterthought or a plain bowl of greens. It’s a carefully layered combination of textures and flavors — crisp greens, juicy citrus, jewel-like pomegranate arils, and buttery candied pecans — brought together with a lightly sweetened vinaigrette that ties everything into one harmonious bite. It’s the kind of salad that earns compliments, even from people who usually skip the salad course.

Why This Salad Belongs on Your Winter Table

Winter produce often gets a bad reputation, but citrus and pomegranates are at their absolute peak during colder months. Oranges bring sweetness and acidity, pomegranates add crunch and brightness, and nuts contribute warmth and richness. Together, they create a salad that feels seasonal, festive, and satisfying, without being heavy.

This salad works beautifully as:

A holiday starter
A fresh contrast to roasted meats
A light lunch with added protein
A colorful centerpiece for winter gatherings

It’s also incredibly adaptable, making it ideal for everything from Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to casual winter brunches.

The Flavor Profile: Sweet, Tart, Crunchy, and Fresh

Every element in this festive winter salad has a purpose:

Mixed Greens provide a crisp, slightly bitter base that balances sweetness.
Fresh Oranges add juicy brightness and natural sugar.
Pomegranate Arils pop with tart freshness and stunning color.
Candied Pecans deliver crunch and warmth with a caramelized finish.
Honey Dijon Vinaigrette ties it all together with gentle acidity and depth.

Each bite feels layered — never flat, never boring.

Ingredients

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.

Mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix)
Fresh oranges, peeled and segmented
Pomegranate arils
Raw pecans
Granulated sugar
Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Dijon mustard
Honey
Salt
Black pepper

Optional additions:

Crumbled feta or goat cheese
Thinly sliced red onion
Avocado slices

Instructions

Prepare the Candied Pecans
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and sugar, stirring constantly as the sugar melts and coats the nuts. Continue cooking until the pecans are glossy and fragrant. Transfer to parchment paper and allow to cool completely.
Prepare the Fruit
Peel oranges, removing as much white pith as possible. Slice into segments or rounds. Remove pomegranate arils and set aside.
Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assemble the Salad
Arrange mixed greens in a large serving bowl or platter. Scatter orange segments evenly over the greens.
Add Toppings
Sprinkle pomegranate arils and candied pecans generously over the salad.
Dress and Finish
Drizzle vinaigrette just before serving and gently toss. Add cheese if using. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Winter Salad

Dry your greens well to prevent watery dressing.
Add dressing gradually — you can always add more.
Let candied pecans cool fully for maximum crunch.
Balance flavors by tasting and adjusting acidity or sweetness.

Variations to Try

Protein-Boosted: Add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas.
Vegan: Skip cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Extra Citrus: Mix in blood oranges or grapefruit.
Grain-Based: Add cooked farro or quinoa for heartiness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken. It also pairs beautifully with soups and crusty bread for a lighter winter meal.

A Salad with Seasonal Significance

Pomegranates symbolize abundance and prosperity in many cultures, while oranges are long associated with winter celebrations. Together, they make this salad not only delicious, but meaningful — a dish that feels right at home on festive tables.

Festive Winter Salad with Oranges, Pomegranate & Candied Pecans

A vibrant winter salad featuring fresh citrus, pomegranate arils, crunchy candied pecans, and a lightly sweetened vinaigrette.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 240