Christmas Fresh Salad with Orange, Pomegranate, and Candied Pecans Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 6 cups spring mix
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments, fresh or canned, drained
• 1 cup pomegranate arils
• 1/2 cup candied pecans
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, and maple syrup or honey until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

2. 2

   Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, add the spring mix as the base. Layer the mandarin orange segments and pomegranate arils evenly over the greens.

3. 3

   Add crunchy and creamy elements: Sprinkle the candied pecans and crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad to add texture and richness.

4. 4

   Toss the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients without bruising the delicate greens.

5. 5

   Serve immediately: Transfer the dressed salad to individual plates or serve directly from the bowl while fresh and crisp for the best flavor and texture.