If you’re craving something fresh, bright, and utterly delicious this chilly season, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe is a total game-changer—bursting with vibrant colors, tangy citrus, and that salty-sweet balance that just sings on your palate. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll want it on repeat all winter long!

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Why This Recipe Works

Fresh Winter Citrus: Using seasonal oranges and mandarins brings bright, juicy sweetness that lightens up any winter meal.
Pomegranate Power: Adding pomegranate seeds gives a lovely pop of tartness and a crunchy contrast that you’ll love.
Creamy Feta Cheese: Salty and tangy, feta perfectly balances the sweetness from the fruit and candied pecans.
Simple Dressing: A honey-Dijon vinaigrette rounds everything out without overpowering those delicate flavors.

Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta, citrus and pomegranate salad, winter fruit salad, refreshing citrus salad, healthy winter salad - 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

This salad packs a punch because it combines contrasting flavors and textures that harmonize beautifully. Each ingredient does its part, so when you pick fresh, high-quality produce it makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need and why I love these choices.

Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta, citrus and pomegranate salad, winter fruit salad, refreshing citrus salad, healthy winter salad - 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: Choose a fresh, tender mix like baby spinach, arugula, or baby lettuces for a mild, crisp base.
Mandarin orange segments (or clementines, tangerines): Sweet and juicy, these add natural sweetness plus a burst of bright color.
Pomegranate seeds: Adds crunch with a tart twist—you can also swap in dried cranberries if fresh aren’t available.
Feta cheese: Crumbled for creamy, salty bites that cut through the fruit’s sweetness.
Candied pecans: These bring a lovely crunch and a hint of caramelized sweetness—rough chopping helps them spread throughout the salad.
Olive oil: Look for extra virgin for a fruity, peppery flavor in the dressing.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the tang of mustard and vinegar.
Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing for a silky finish.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a gentle sharpness, lifting the salad’s flavors.
Minced shallot: Brings mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch in the dressing.
Salt and pepper: To season and enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge and what my mood calls for—so don’t hesitate to get creative.

Swap Ingredients: If you don’t have pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries work beautifully, or try walnuts instead of pecans for a more rustic crunch—I’ve done it plenty!
Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas turn this salad into a full meal when you want something more substantial.
Make it Vegan: Simply omit the feta or use a crumbly vegan cheese alternative to keep all the flavor without dairy.
Fresh Herbs: Toss in some chopped mint or basil for an unexpected fresh twist that brightens everything up.

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

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

First things first—rinse and spin dry your spring greens so they’re crisp and ready to go. Peel and segment those mandarins, making sure to remove any seeds or white pith that can be bitter. If using fresh pomegranate, tap or scoop out just the seeds; they’ll add the perfect pop of color and crunch. Lastly, crumble your feta and roughly chop the candied pecans—this keeps things textured and interesting.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine your olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallot. Whisk it vigorously until everything emulsifies into a smooth, golden dressing. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste—it really brings all the flavors alive.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

In a large salad bowl, gently combine the greens, citrus segments, pomegranate seeds, feta, and candied pecans. Drizzle the dressing over the top—start with a little and add more until it’s just right for your taste. Toss delicately so you don’t bruise the greens or crush the fruit. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect mix of textures and flavors!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Make It Fresh: I always dress the salad right before serving to keep the greens crisp and vibrant—letting it sit too long makes the leaves soggy.
Peeling Citrus Like a Pro: Using a sharp paring knife to carefully cut away pith before segmenting really cleans up the citrus pieces and keeps bitterness at bay.
Balance Your Dressing: Adjust the honey and vinegar to your liking; sometimes I like a touch more sweetness to offset the tang from the feta and mustard.
Candied Pecan Storage: Keep them in an airtight container to stay crunchy—freshly chopped adds such a lovely texture contrast.

How to Serve Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few extra pomegranate seeds on top before serving—it really makes the salad look festive and inviting. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of fresh mint or chopped pistachios for an extra pop of flavor and texture. Even a little flaky sea salt on top elevates the feta’s creaminess beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with simple grilled chicken or salmon for an elegant yet light dinner. I’ve also served it alongside a warm grain bowl or roasted root vegetables to create a cozy winter meal. It’s perfect for holiday spreads as a refreshing counterpoint to heavier mains.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this salad in individual glass bowls or on large platter-style trays, arranging the citrus segments and pomegranate seeds artfully to wow guests visually. Layering the greens and toppings in a clear trifle dish can be a showstopper too—plus, everyone loves digging into those colorful layers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you do happen to have leftovers (which doesn’t always happen in my house!), store the salad undressed in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing separately so the greens don’t get soggy. When ready to eat, toss everything together fresh.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because fresh greens and citrus won’t hold up well after thawing—the texture gets watery, and the cheese and nuts lose their crunch. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh for that crisp, bright flavor.

Reheating

Since this salad is best served cold and fresh, reheating isn’t really an option here. If you’ve added proteins like grilled chicken, you can warm those separately and serve on the side or atop the salad right before eating to keep the salad fresh.

FAQs

Can I prepare the Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients separately ahead of time, like washing greens and portioning out the dressing, but for best results, toss the salad together just before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and the citrus juicy.
What can I substitute if I don’t have pomegranate seeds?

If fresh pomegranate seeds aren’t available, dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries add a similar tart-sweet flavor and nice texture. Just watch the quantity since dried fruit tends to be sweeter and stickier.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?

The salad can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta or replacing it with a vegan cheese alternative, like crumbled tofu or nut-based cheese. The dressing is naturally vegan, too!
Can I use other greens instead of mixed spring greens?

Absolutely! Baby kale, spinach, arugula, or even a mix of lettuces all work well here, depending on your preference for mild or peppery flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to every winter because it’s fresh, easy, and ridiculously tasty. It feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight—plus, I love how it brings a little sunshine to cold, gray days. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite on your salad rotation.

Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way