If you’re searching for a refreshing, festive side that brings together sweet, tangy, and crunchy in every bite, you’re going to absolutely adore this Holiday Fruit and Nut Salad Recipe. It’s super simple but packed with flavors that make it a star at any holiday table. Whether you’re a seasoned salad lover or just looking for an easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe stays on my go-to list every December—and I think you’ll find it quickly becomes one of your favorites, too.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavors: The bright mandarin oranges and tart pomegranate arils make this salad pop with holiday cheer.
Quick and Easy: I love how it comes together in just about 5 minutes—perfect when you’re short on time.

Customizable Crunch: Candied nuts add a sweet crunch that balances layers of juicy fruit and creamy feta.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep most of it ahead of time and toss right before serving, saving you last-minute stress.

A fresh salad with several layers is shown on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is made of leafy greens in different shades of green and dark purple with soft textures. On top of this, there are bright orange tangerine slices spread around. Scattered across the salad are glossy, deep red pomegranate seeds adding shine and color contrast. Light brown, crunchy-looking coated nuts are placed evenly over the salad. Small white pieces of crumbly cheese dot the top layer, giving a creamy texture and color contrast. The whole dish looks colorful and fresh with a mix of soft, crunchy, and juicy textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Holiday Fruit and Nut Salad, festive fruit salad, holiday side dish, easy holiday salad, Christmas fruit salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Holiday Fruit and Nut Salad Recipe is all about combining fresh ingredients that complement one another perfectly. The juicy citrus meets sweet-tart pomegranate and the crunchy glazed nuts, all married by a honey mustard dressing you can make from scratch or grab ready-made.

Flat lay of a large handful of fresh spring mixed greens, a small white bowl of bright orange mandarin segments, a small white bowl filled with ruby red pomegranate arils, a small white bowl of glossy candied pecans, a small white bowl containing crumbled white feta cheese, and a small white bowl of golden honey mustard dressing 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 - Holiday Fruit and Nut Salad, festive fruit salad, holiday side dish, easy holiday salad, Christmas fruit salad

Mixed greens: I prefer a spring mix for its mild, tender leaves—but any fresh greens work well as the base.
Mandarin or clementine orange segments: Fresh, easy-to-peel citrus adds a burst of juicy sweetness—make sure to remove any seeds!
Pomegranate arils or dried cranberries: Fresh arils bring crunch and bright flavor; dried cranberries make for a sweet-tart twist if you’re in a pinch.

Glazed or candied nuts: Candied pecans or walnuts give a delightful crunch and sweetness that really rounds out the salad.
Feta cheese: Its tangy creaminess contrasts beautifully with the sweet fruits and nuts—feel free to substitute with blue cheese if you prefer.
Honey mustard dressing: Homemade elevates this salad, but store-bought works just fine when you’re crunched for time.

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.

Variations

I love making this Holiday Fruit and Nut Salad Recipe my own depending on the season or what’s in my fridge—it’s so versatile! Feel free to play around with the fruits, nuts, or cheese to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Use different nuts: I once tried candied pistachios instead of pecans, and it gave a wonderful pop of color and a slightly earthier flavor.
Add more fruit: Sliced apples or pears work really nicely if you want to bulk it up or add sweetness.

Dairy-free option: Swap out feta for a vegan cheese or skip it entirely—sometimes the fruit and nuts shine best solo.
Dress it up: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or basil for an unexpected freshness.

How to Make Holiday Fruit and Nut Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Honey Mustard Dressing

Start by making a batch of honey mustard dressing if you’re going homemade. I like to mix honey, Dijon mustard, a splash of vinegar, and a bit of olive oil until it’s smooth and tangy. You can refrigerate it until you’re ready to dress your salad. Pro tip: taste as you go because sometimes a little extra honey or mustard makes all the difference!

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Bowl

Grab a large salad bowl and load in your mixed greens first—pack them in but don’t overstuff. Then scatter the mandarin or clementine segments across the top, followed by the jewel-like pomegranate arils or sprinkle dried cranberries if you’re using them. Next, add your glazed or candied nuts generously along with crumbled feta cheese for that creamy saltiness. This layering helps keep the salad fresh and lets each bite be a little different.

Step 3: Dress and Toss Gently

Pour your honey mustard dressing over the salad—start with a smaller amount and add more if needed—you don’t want to drown those beautiful ingredients! Toss gently using salad tongs or clean hands to combine everything evenly without bruising the delicate greens. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Holiday Fruit and Nut Salad Recipe

Freshness Matters: I discovered this trick when I picked the freshest greens possible to avoid soggy salad—that crunch really makes the dish shine.

Dressing Control: Pour dressing little by little—too much can weigh your salad down, so it’s easier to go back for more if needed.
Candied Nuts Make It Special: I love buying pre-candied nuts to save time; if you want extra flavor, give them a quick toast in the oven before adding.
Avoid Watery Salad: Dry your mandarin segments well—excess juice can water down the salad and dressing.

How to Serve Holiday Fruit and Nut Salad Recipe

A fresh salad sits on a white marbled surface, showing multiple layers starting with dark green leafy spinach and lighter green lettuce spread all over. Bright orange mandarin slices are placed evenly on top, along with scattered red pomegranate seeds that add a vibrant pop of color. Small chunks of white cheese and crispy brown nuts are sprinkled across the salad, giving texture variety. A jar tilted above pours a thick, light tan dressing right onto the center, coating some leaves and pomegranate seeds. Woman's hand holds the jar, visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Holiday Fruit and Nut Salad, festive fruit salad, holiday side dish, easy holiday salad, Christmas fruit salad

Garnishes

I usually finish this salad with a small extra sprinkle of crumbled feta and a few whole candied pecans on top. Sometimes, a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper gives a surprising kick that my family surprisingly loves. A few fresh mint leaves can also brighten the plate, especially if you’re serving for guests.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or glazed ham—my holiday roast dinners are almost incomplete without it. For a vegetarian spread, serve it alongside warm quinoa or a grain-based pilaf. It’s also excellent with crusty bread or melted brie.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I sometimes serve this salad in individual glass jars layered so the colors peek through—that makes it easy for guests to grab and go. Another fun idea is to arrange it in a pretty platter shaped like a wreath, garnished with extra pomegranate arils and nuts for that festive look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep any leftover salad components separately—greens in one container, fruit and nuts in another—and only dress the salad when ready to eat again. If tossed already with dressing, store it tightly covered and consume within a day since the greens get soggy fast.

Freezing

This particular salad doesn’t freeze well, mostly because the fresh fruit and greens lose texture and freshness. I’d recommend prepping ingredients fresh when possible for the best experience.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer your nuts warmed, you can gently toast them separately before adding to your leftover salad just before serving to add back some crunch.

FAQs

Can I make the holiday fruit and nut salad recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the feta cheese for a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether. Consider using a vegan honey substitute or agave in the dressing to keep it completely vegan-friendly.
What nuts work best in this salad?

Candied pecans and walnuts are my favorites because they add both sweetness and crunch. However, you can experiment with candied almonds or pistachios for different textures and flavors.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes! Keep the dressing separate and cover the prepared salad ingredients tightly in the fridge. Toss everything together just before serving to preserve freshness and keep greens crisp.

Is there a substitute for mandarins or clementines?

Yes! You can use orange segments or even grapefruit segments for a slightly bitter but lovely variation. Just be sure to remove any tough membranes for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Fruit and Nut Salad Recipe has been such a bright spot on my holiday table year after year. The mix of sweet citrus, tangy pomegranate, crunchy nuts, and creamy feta all dressed in honey mustard is a simple combination that feels so special. When you make it for your family and friends, I’m sure you’ll see those “wow” faces that keep you coming back for seconds. Give it a try—you might just discover your new holiday tradition!

Holiday Fruit and Nut Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 722 reviews

Author: Hannah
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive and vibrant Christmas Salad featuring mixed greens, sweet citrus segments, tangy pomegranate arils, crunchy glazed nuts, and creamy feta cheese tossed in a flavorful honey mustard dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for holiday celebrations or any time you want a bright, colorful salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

6 cups mixed greens, packed (spring mix recommended)
1 cup mandarin or clementine orange segments (about 3–4 oranges)
1 cup pomegranate arils or ½ cup dried cranberries

2/3 cup glazed or candied nuts (candied pecans or walnuts suggested)
½ cup feta cheese

Honey Mustard Dressing

1 batch Honey Mustard Dressing or 8–10 tablespoons store-bought honey mustard dressing

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: Make one batch of honey mustard dressing according to your preferred recipe or use store-bought. Refrigerate the dressing until needed to keep it fresh and chilled.

Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, place the mixed greens as the base. Evenly top the greens with mandarin or clementine orange segments, pomegranate arils (or dried cranberries), glazed or candied nuts, and crumbled feta cheese.
Toss the Salad: Pour the honey mustard dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss all ingredients to combine, ensuring the dressing coats the greens and toppings evenly without bruising the delicate leaves.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor. This salad pairs beautifully with holiday meals or as a light, festive side dish.

Leave a Comment: If you try this recipe, consider leaving a review to support the recipe creator and help other readers discover this delightful salad.

Notes

Substitutions: You can substitute the feta cheese with blue cheese for a sharper flavor. Various glazed nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be used depending on your preference.
Make-ahead Instructions: Prepare the salad as instructed but refrain from adding the dressing until right before serving. Cover the salad and toppings tightly and refrigerate to keep ingredients fresh.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg