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A vibrant Christmas Wreath Salad on a white plate, featuring mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, mandarin orange slices, star-shaped cheese, pecans, and a small bowl of vinaigrette dressing on a marble background.
Layla

Festive Christmas Wreath Salad

A stunning and delicious Christmas Wreath Salad that's as beautiful as it is easy to make. Peppery arugula, sweet pomegranate, creamy mozzarella, and crunchy pecans are all tied together with a vibrant cranberry-balsamic vinaigrette.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

For the Cranberry-Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp cranberry sauce jellied or whole berry
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Salad Wreath
  • 5 oz mixed greens such as arugula and baby spinach
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
  • 8 oz small mozzarella balls (Ciliegine) drained
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves toasted
  • 1 small red bell pepper for making the 'bow'
  • 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Round Platter
  • Small Bowl or Jar with Lid
  • Whisk
  • Small Skillet

Method
 

Prepare the Vinaigrette
  1. In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, and Dijon mustard.
  2. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Prepare the Salad Components
  1. Place the pecan halves in a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from the skillet immediately to cool.
  2. To create the bell pepper bow, slice the top and bottom off the red bell pepper. Make a single vertical slit and open it up, laying it flat. Remove seeds and white pith. Using a small, sharp knife, cut out two bow loop shapes and two thin ribbon strips.
Assemble the Wreath
  1. On a large, round serving platter, arrange the mixed greens in a circle to form a wreath shape, leaving the center of the platter empty.
  2. Artfully scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, small mozzarella balls, and toasted pecans over the bed of greens.
  3. Sprinkle the pomegranate arils generously all over the salad, allowing them to look like festive red ornaments.
  4. Tuck the small sprigs of fresh rosemary into the greens at various points for extra aroma and a pine-like appearance.
  5. Carefully place the bell pepper bow pieces at the bottom of the wreath to complete the look.
  6. Just before serving, drizzle the Cranberry-Balsamic Vinaigrette over the salad, or serve it in a small pitcher on the side for guests to add themselves.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: The vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. The pecans can also be toasted ahead of time. Assemble the wreath just before serving to ensure the greens stay fresh and crisp.
Arrangement Tip: For a perfect circle, place a small bowl upside down in the center of your platter. Arrange the greens around it, then remove the bowl before adding the other toppings.
Variations: Swap pecans for candied walnuts or pistachios. Use crumbled feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella. Add sliced pears or crisp apples for another layer of flavor.