Hey friends!
The holiday season is here, and I’ve got a festive treat for you!
Today, I’m sharing a bright and refreshing Christmas salad with pears and pomegranate seeds.
It’s colorful, crunchy, and full of flavor—perfect for your holiday table.
Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
Let’s dive into this deliciousness and get in the holiday spirit!
Ingredient Substitutions
Mixed greens can be substituted with spinach, kale, or arugula for varied nutrient profiles and flavors. Adjust the amount based on the chosen green’s density. Pears can be replaced with persimmons or Asian pears for a similar texture and sweetness. Use the same quantity as called for in the recipe. Pomegranate seeds can be swapped with dried cranberries or fresh blueberries for a different fruity element. Use about 3/4 cup of the substitute, as dried fruits are more concentrated. For the dressing, avocado or olive oil can be replaced with grapeseed oil or walnut oil for different flavor profiles. Use the same amount as specified in the recipe. These substitutions maintain the salad’s festive appearance and nutritional balance while accommodating various dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 10-15 g
- Fat: 45-55 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1/2 cup sweetened nuts
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 ripe pear (Bosc or Anjou work well)
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 6-8 cups mixed greens (5 oz)
- 1 apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji are great options)
- 1 avocado (ripe, but still firm)
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (Grade A Amber Rich is my favorite)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup avocado oil (or any neutral-flavored oil)
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a bowl or jar, combine the oil, vinegar, syrup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Keep in mind that this mixture may separate as you are not using an emulsifier like mustard.
If it separates, simply give it another whisk or stir before using.
Set the dressing aside once mixed.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Place your choice of salad greens in a large bowl.
Top the greens with slices of pear, apple, and avocado.
Add pomegranate arils and your desired nuts on top.
If you like, include onion slices for an extra kick.
This will create a vibrant and textured base for your salad.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Before pouring the dressing, whisk it again if it has separated.
Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad.
Using two forks or salad tongs, gently toss the salad to ensure even coating of the dressing.
Add more dressing as desired to suit your taste.
Though it might initially seem like there are a lot of greens, they will start to wilt slightly once the dressing is added, making the salad easier to toss and enjoy.
