Why You’ll Love Winter Salad Wreath Recipe: A Festive Centerpiece for Your Holiday Table Recipe

Visually stunning and festive presentation that impresses guests
Balanced flavors of sweet citrus, tangy cheese, and crunchy pecans
Quick and easy to assemble in under 20 minutes
Light and refreshing alongside heartier holiday dishes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

7 cups mixed spring greens
1 ¼ cups orange segments (mandarin, clementines, or tangerines)
½ cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries)
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
⅓ cup olive oil
1 tbsp honey
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp minced shallot
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Arrange the mixed greens on a round serving platter to form a wreath shape, leaving the center empty.
Evenly scatter orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and chopped candied pecans over the greens.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, shallot, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad wreath, ensuring even coverage without soaking the greens.
Garnish with extra pomegranate seeds or herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Include grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for a heartier salad.
Use goat cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture.
Try different nuts: Use walnuts or almonds instead of candied pecans.
Seasonal fruits: Add thinly sliced apples, pears, or blood oranges for seasonal flair.
Herb garnish: Add sprigs of rosemary or thyme to enhance the wreath look.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover salad: Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Dressing: Store the dressing separately in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.
Serving tip: Always dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

FAQs

What makes this salad look like a wreath?

The salad is arranged in a circular pattern on a round platter, leaving the center empty to mimic a festive wreath.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it’s fully vegetarian with no meat or animal-based gelatin.

Can I use different citrus fruits?

Absolutely. Grapefruit, blood oranges, or even thinly sliced lemons can work beautifully.

What can I substitute for candied pecans?

You can use toasted walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds as a crunchy alternative.

Can this salad be made vegan?

Yes, simply replace the honey with maple syrup and use a vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether.

What other cheeses can I use?

Goat cheese or blue cheese are excellent alternatives to feta.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of pomegranate seeds?

Yes, dried cranberries are a great substitute and add a chewy sweetness.

What platter should I use?

A large round serving platter is ideal to shape the salad like a wreath.

How should I serve the dressing?

Lightly drizzle it over the salad right before serving or offer it on the side for guests to add themselves.

Conclusion

This Winter Salad Wreath is more than just a dish—it’s a show-stopping centerpiece that brings color, flavor, and festive cheer to your table. With a blend of textures and tastes in every bite, it’s the perfect complement to your holiday spread, and it’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve.