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 a favorite at my holiday parties because of its festive look and delightful flavors.
Ingredients
- Base Salad: 2 cups baby spinach, finely chopped, 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1 cup fresh dill, finely chopped, 1 small English cucumber, diced, 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
- Toppings: 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped, 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional)
- Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish & Serving: 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 gathers each year around this salad, celebrating the holidays with joy and great food.
Notes
Substitute goat cheese for feta if desired. Add diced red bell pepper for extra color and crunch. For a vegan version, use vegan feta and maple syrup instead of honey. Pairs well with a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, small bowl for dressing, whisk, chef's knife, cutting board, serving platter
Nutritional Information
Calories: 160, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 5 g per serving
Save This festive salad brings a joyful touch to your holiday table and delights guests with each bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients create the base of the salad?
The base combines baby spinach, fresh parsley, dill, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced scallions for a fresh, herbaceous foundation.
- → How is the dressing prepared?
The dressing is made by whisking extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- → Can the nuts be substituted for allergies?
Yes, if tree nuts are a concern, consider using seeds or omitting nuts entirely to suit dietary needs.
- → What is the best way to shape the salad?
Shape the dressed salad mixture into a large triangle on a platter to resemble a holiday tree before adding toppings.
- → Are there any suggested variations for dietary preferences?
For a vegan option, replace feta with vegan cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.