Christmas Wreath Salad with Pomegranate and Pear Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a showstopper salad that’s both festive and fresh, you have to try this Christmas Wreath Salad with Pomegranate and Pear Recipe. I absolutely love how this salad looks on the holiday table—it’s bright, bursting with flavor, and screams celebration. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it’s not just a pretty face but a delicious, easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make every year.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad brings together some classic holiday stars—fruit, nuts, greens, and cheese. Each ingredient has a purpose, whether it’s adding crunch, sweetness, or a creamy tang to balance it all out. Shopping tip: pick a pear that’s ripe but still firm so it holds up nicely in the salad.

• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy zing that lifts the dressing and ties the flavors together.
• Olive oil: Choose a good quality extra virgin for richness and smoothness in the dressing.
• Dijon mustard: Gives a little subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing perfectly.
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and caramel notes; I love how it balances the tartness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony.
• Chopped pecans: Toasted with maple syrup for a sticky, crunchy surprise that’s hard to resist.
• Baby spinach: Fresh, tender, and the perfect base for your edible wreath.
• Bartlett pear: Sliced thin, it adds sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
• Pomegranate arils: Bursting with ruby-red color and juicy tartness to brighten every bite.
• Dried cranberries: Their chewy sweetness adds depth and seasonal character.
• Crumbled feta cheese: A creamy, salty finish that elevates the salad without overpowering it.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Christmas Wreath Salad with Pomegranate and Pear Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Feel free to swap ingredients or add your own favorite flavors to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Nut Variation: Try using toasted walnuts or almonds if pecans aren’t your thing—I find walnuts give a lovely earthy flavor.
• Cheese Swap: Goat cheese works wonderfully if you prefer a creamier, tangier bite.
• Dressing Twist: Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a bright citrus note that refreshes the salad.
• Vegan Option: Skip the feta and use a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds to add crunch and richness.

How to Make Christmas Wreath Salad with Pomegranate and Pear Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Maple-Pecan Dressing

Start by mixing the olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the dressing is smooth and well combined. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy that makes this salad pop. Then, in a small pan over medium-high heat, toast the pecans with an extra tablespoon of maple syrup until the syrup evaporates and the nuts are glossy and caramelized—about 5 to 8 minutes. Remember to stir often so they don’t burn. This step adds such a wonderful, sticky crunch that your guests will rave about.

Step 2: Create Your Edible Wreath Base

Grab a large circular platter or tray and place a small bowl with the dressing right at the center. Then carefully arrange fresh baby spinach leaves all around to form a wreath shape. I found that gently layering the spinach leaves in a circular motion helps achieve that perfect wreath look without wilting the greens.

Step 3: Decorate with Pear, Pomegranate, and Toppings

Arrange the thinly sliced Bartlett pear, pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese on top of the spinach wreath. For a fuller, textured look, tuck some of each ingredient just beneath a few spinach leaves here and there—it makes it feel homemade and more dimensional. Trust me, this little trick makes the salad look so inviting and thoughtfully put together.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

When it’s time to eat, simply divide the salad among plates, drizzle with as much dressing as you like, and toss gently to combine everything. I love serving it this way because everyone can customize their portion with the perfect amount of dressing for their taste. Plus, the flavors really come alive when tossed.

How to Serve Christmas Wreath Salad with Pomegranate and Pear Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a few extra pomegranate arils and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper over the top right before serving. A few fresh mint leaves scattered on the wreath add a pop of color and a refreshing note that complements the sweetness beautifully. If you’re feeling festive, a light dusting of edible gold dust (yes, really!) can make this salad sparkle on your holiday table.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside roasted turkey or ham, but I’ve also paired it with simple herb-roasted chicken and it’s been a hit every time. It’s light enough to complement richer sides like mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served this salad on a wooden cutting board shaped like a wreath, arranging the ingredients with a little rosemary sprig “bow” at the bottom. It’s always a conversation starter! Another time, I layered it into a clear glass trifle bowl, so the lovely colors peeked through the sides—a great way to show off the salad’s vibrant layers at a holiday buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which sometimes doesn’t happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge without the dressing. Spinach wilts quickly when dressed, so add the dressing fresh when ready to eat. The toasted pecans will stay crunchy this way, too.

Freezing

Because this salad is fresh and full of delicate ingredients, I wouldn’t recommend freezing it. The greens and fruit just don’t freeze well and will become mushy after thawing. Best to enjoy it fresh!

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t really necessary—or recommended. If you want the warmth of the toasted pecans for a snack, feel free to toast them again lightly, but keep everything else chilled.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Wreath Salad with Pomegranate and Pear Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday traditions because it’s just so joyful to make and eat. It’s like giving your taste buds a festive hug—light, flavorful, and bursting with seasonal goodness. I always recommend it to friends who want to impress their guests with a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how something so simple can feel so special!

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