Save A festive, vibrant salad shaped like a holiday tree, featuring tangy feta, sweet cranberries, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs—perfect as a centerpiece dip for celebrations.
This salad has become my go-to holiday appetizer because it looks stunning and tastes fresh every time.
Ingredients
- Baby spinach: 2 cups finely chopped
- Fresh parsley: 1 cup finely chopped
- Fresh dill: 1 cup finely chopped
- English cucumber: 1 small, diced
- Scallions: 1/2 cup thinly sliced
- Feta cheese: 3/4 cup crumbled
- Dried cranberries: 1/2 cup
- Toasted pecans or walnuts: 1/3 cup roughly chopped
- Pomegranate seeds: 2 tablespoons optional
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- Honey or maple syrup: 1 tablespoon
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: for the tree trunk and decoration
- Assorted crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks: for dipping
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, parsley, dill, cucumber, and scallions.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3:
- Pour the dressing over the chopped greens and toss gently to combine.
- Step 4:
- On a large serving platter, shape the salad mixture into a large triangle to resemble a holiday tree.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the tree to mimic snow.
- Step 6:
- Decorate with dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and pomegranate seeds for ornaments.
- Step 7:
- Place rosemary sprigs at the base to create a tree trunk and add a festive touch.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Save My family loves gathering around this colorful salad during the holidays, sharing stories and laughter as we enjoy this festive treat.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl small bowl for dressing whisk chefs knife cutting board serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pecans or walnuts) use nut-free toppings if needed for allergies gluten-free if served with gluten-free crackers check all ingredient labels for allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 160 total fat 10 g carbohydrates 13 g protein 5 g per serving
Save This festive salad brings joy and flavor to any holiday gathering enjoy its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Yes, goat cheese can be used for a milder flavor, or vegan feta alternatives for dairy-free options.
- → How do I keep the salad fresh before serving?
Prepare the greens and dressing separately, combine just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
- → What nuts work best for the topping?
Toasted pecans or walnuts add a pleasant crunch and complement the sweet cranberries well.
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, chop ingredients and prepare dressing in advance, assemble the salad right before serving for best texture.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, serving with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks keeps it gluten-free.