Mediterranean Festive Citrus–Pomegranate Winter Garden Salad
This Mediterranean festive citrus–pomegranate winter garden salad is bright, elegant, and full of seasonal contrast. Juicy citrus brings sweetness and freshness, while peppery winter greens provide a lively base. Pomegranate seeds add sparkle and crunch, making the salad feel celebratory and colorful.
Balanced with creamy feta, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs, this salad is both light and satisfying. It works beautifully as a holiday starter, a winter lunch, or a refreshing side to richer dishes. Simple ingredients come together in a way that feels festive, fresh, and unmistakably Mediterranean.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients
Salad Base
5 to 6 cups mixed winter greens (arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix)
3 large oranges (navel, blood oranges, or a mix), peeled and sliced into rounds or segments
3/4 cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh mint leaves, torn or finely sliced
Optional Additions
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup thinly sliced fennel
Citrus Dressing
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Begin by preparing the citrus. Peel the oranges, removing all white pith, and slice into thin rounds or neat segments. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Place the mixed winter greens in a large serving bowl or platter, spreading them evenly to create a base.
Scatter the sliced red onion over the greens, keeping the slices light and evenly distributed.
Arrange the orange slices across the salad, slightly overlapping them for visual appeal.
Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds evenly over the oranges and greens.
Add the crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts across the top.
If using optional additions such as avocado, fennel, or dried cranberries, add them at this stage.
Drizzle the citrus dressing lightly over the salad just before serving.
Finish with fresh mint leaves and a final pinch of black pepper.
Tips for Best Results
Use a sharp knife to remove citrus pith cleanly for the best flavor.
Dry the greens thoroughly so the dressing clings properly.
Toast nuts lightly to enhance their aroma and crunch.
Slice red onion very thin to keep its flavor balanced.
Dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
Use a mix of orange varieties for deeper color and flavor.
Variations
Swap feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
Add roasted beets for extra earthiness and color.
Use pistachios instead of walnuts for a Mediterranean twist.
Replace mint with fresh basil or dill for a different herb profile.
Add grilled halloumi for a heartier salad.
Use balsamic glaze instead of citrus dressing for richness.
Q & A
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes. Prepare all ingredients ahead, but assemble and dress just before serving.
Is this salad vegan?
It can be made vegan by omitting feta or using a plant based alternative.
What oranges work best?
Blood oranges add color, while navel oranges provide sweetness.
Can I use bottled citrus juice?
Fresh juice is recommended for the brightest flavor.
How long will leftovers last?
Once dressed, it is best eaten immediately. Undressed ingredients keep for one day.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 260
Protein: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 5 g
Conclusion
Mediterranean festive citrus–pomegranate winter garden salad brings color, freshness, and balance to any table. The combination of juicy citrus, crisp greens, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts creates a dish that feels light yet satisfying. Each bite offers contrast and brightness that works especially well during colder months.
Perfect for gatherings or everyday meals, this salad proves that seasonal ingredients can shine with very little effort. Fresh, vibrant, and beautifully simple, it is a recipe that adds warmth and elegance to winter dining while staying true to Mediterranean flavors.