Name: Festive Pomegranate Walnut Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 ounces spring mix salad greens; 2 persimmons, peeled and chopped into ½ inch pieces; ⅔ cup walnuts, chopped; 1 cup pomegranate seeds; ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste); ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

If you’re on the hunt for a salad that screams festive cheer and bursts with vibrant flavors, then you’re going to love this Festive Pomegranate Walnut Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, crunchy, and tangy — a real showstopper that I’ve made for countless holiday dinners and potlucks. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this salad beyond just the holiday season.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flair: The pomegranate seeds and walnuts add a jewel-like texture and a satisfying crunch that really make this salad pop on any holiday table.
Easy to Assemble: No complicated steps here! You can put this together quickly, even when the holiday hustle is in full swing.
Make-Ahead Friendly: I’ve learned you can prep this in advance without losing freshness, which is a total lifesaver for entertaining.
Flexible Ingredients: It’s simple to customize depending on your pantry or taste, so it feels like your own special creation every time.

A white plate holds a fresh salad with three main layers: the bottom layer is mixed green lettuce leaves with curly edges, the middle layer has bright orange mango cubes, and the top layer is sprinkled with small white cheese crumbles and red pomegranate seeds. A woman's hand is pouring creamy light brown dressing from a gray ribbed pitcher onto the salad. A small glass jar with leftover dressing sits near the salad on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Festive Pomegranate Walnut Salad, holiday salad recipes, easy holiday salads, colorful fruit and nut salads, healthy holiday side dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Festive Pomegranate Walnut Salad Recipe complement each other beautifully — from the peppery spring mix to the sweet persimmons and tangy feta. When I shop, I look for ripe persimmons that are firm but yielding, and fresh, juicy pomegranate seeds for that perfect pop.

Flat lay of fresh spring mix salad greens loosely piled on a white ceramic plate, two peeled and chopped orange persimmons in neat chunks on a separate white ceramic dish, a small mound of coarsely chopped walnuts beside them, a small white bowl filled with bright red pomegranate seeds, crumbled white feta cheese scattered artfully on another white ceramic dish, and a small white bowl containing golden honey mustard salad 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 - Festive Pomegranate Walnut Salad, holiday salad recipes, easy holiday salads, colorful fruit and nut salads, healthy holiday side dishes

Spring mix salad greens: A peppery, tender base that holds up well under the toppings without getting soggy.
Persimmons: Adds a sweet, citrusy note and a lovely pop of color; peel and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Walnuts: Toasted or raw, these add a crunchy, nutty contrast that your taste buds will thank you for.
Pomegranate seeds: The star of the show — juicy, tart bursts of flavor and festive color.
Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for a salty, creamy balance that ties everything together.
Honey mustard salad dressing: Homemade or store-bought, it brings sweetness and tang that elevate all the ingredients.

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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 that this Festive Pomegranate Walnut Salad Recipe is so adaptable. Over time, I’ve played with a few variations depending on what’s in season or what my family’s craving, and you should definitely feel free to make it your own.

Swapping Persimmons: If you can’t find persimmons, try diced apples or pears – they offer a similar sweetness and texture.
Nuts Alternative: I sometimes switch walnuts for pecans or toasted almonds, which add a slightly different crunch and flavor.
Dressing Alternate: For a lighter option, a vinaigrette with orange juice and balsamic vinegar keeps it fresh and bright.
Make it Vegan: Skip the feta and use a vegan cheese alternative or add avocado slices for creaminess.

How to Make Festive Pomegranate Walnut Salad Recipe

Step 1: Arrange the Greens Like a Wreath

Start by spreading your spring mix salad greens evenly around a large festive serving dish. I like to place a small round bowl in the center so the salad can circle it, giving that beautiful wreath effect. It’s not only visually stunning but helps keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If you’re like me, presentation matters — it instantly grabs your guests’ attention.

Step 2: Add Persimmons and Walnuts

Scatter the chopped persimmons over the greens, followed by chopped walnuts. I usually toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan for about 3-5 minutes beforehand to bring out their flavor — this simple step makes a huge difference and fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

Step 3: Sprinkle Pomegranate Seeds and Feta

Next, sprinkle the pomegranate seeds generously on top — these little jewels add that festive zing and crunch. Then crumble the feta cheese all over to introduce that lovely salty creaminess that balances the sweetness and tang. I find using good quality feta really elevates the overall flavor of this salad.

Step 4: Pour the Honey Mustard Dressing

Finally, pour your honey mustard salad dressing into the small bowl in the middle of the salad to resemble the wreath’s candle holder — such a fun touch! Alternatively, you can serve the dressing on the side for guests to add as they like. I love making the dressing fresh — mixing honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper — it’s simple and tangy with just the right sweetness.

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Pro Tips for Making Festive Pomegranate Walnut Salad Recipe

Toast Your Walnuts: Lightly toasting walnuts in a dry pan amps up their flavor and crunch – a game-changer that I don’t skip anymore.
Keep Dressing Separate: To avoid soggy greens, always serve or add the honey mustard dressing just before eating.
Choose Ripe Persimmons: They should be firm but slightly soft to the touch for maximum sweetness without mushiness.
Prep Ahead Wisely: Store salad and dressing separately in airtight containers; toss just before serving to keep everything fresh.

How to Serve Festive Pomegranate Walnut Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad showing three main layers: at the bottom, bright green leafy lettuce with a curly texture; on top of the greens, vibrant red pomegranate seeds and small pieces of light brown nuts scattered around; covering everything are crumbles of white cheese adding a soft, creamy texture. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially immersed in the salad. The bowl sits on a light wooden surface with some extra pomegranate seeds and cheese crumbles scattered around for a natural touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Festive Pomegranate Walnut Salad, holiday salad recipes, easy holiday salads, colorful fruit and nut salads, healthy holiday side dishes

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I love adding a few sprigs of fresh mint or a light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Sometimes, a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze around the plate edges makes the salad feel even more special and restaurant-worthy. These touches surprise guests and add layers of aroma and taste.

Side Dishes

I often pair this salad with roasted turkey or grilled chicken for a wholesome holiday meal. For a vegetarian feast, it pairs beautifully with a hearty quinoa pilaf or stuffed portobello mushrooms. The sweet and nutty flavors cut through richer dishes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this salad on a large, festive platter shaped like a Christmas tree, arranging the ingredients to mimic ornaments and garlands. Using a clear glass bowl in the center for the dressing adds an elegant, inviting touch. You can also serve individual portions in mini glass cups layered with the ingredients for a chic appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers to keep everything fresh as long as possible — typically the salad lasts up to 5 days if undressed. But once the dressing touches the greens, expect wilting within a day or two. I’ve learned that keeping them separate is the secret to enjoying leftovers without disappointment.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t ideal because the greens wilt and the fruits lose their juicy texture. I’d recommend enjoying it fresh or storing only the dressing in the freezer if you want to prep ahead for multiple meals.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold and fresh, so reheating isn’t generally recommended. If you have leftovers, just give the salad a gentle toss and add a little more dressing or fresh greens to revive it before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make the Festive Pomegranate Walnut Salad Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also add creamy avocado slices for richness.
What’s the best way to prepare pomegranate seeds?

The easiest way is to cut the pomegranate in half and tap the back with a wooden spoon over a bowl to release the seeds. Alternatively, you can gently pry the seeds out with your fingers. Just be careful of the juice stains!
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes! Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios work great in this salad. Toast them lightly for extra flavor and crunch.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

You can prepare the salad ingredients up to 5 days ahead and keep them refrigerated in airtight containers. Make the dressing up to 2 weeks in advance. Just keep them separate and combine right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Pomegranate Walnut Salad Recipe has truly become one of my go-to dishes for the holidays and beyond. It’s not just a salad; it’s a colorful celebration of flavors and textures that brighten any meal. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do — your guests will be asking for the recipe, guaranteed!