Save to Pinterest A festive, vibrant salad shaped like a holiday tree, featuring tangy feta, sweet cranberries, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs—perfect as a centerpiece dip for celebrations.
I love making this salad every holiday season because it brings color and joy to our family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Base Salad: 2 cups baby spinach, finely chopped, 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1 cup fresh dill, finely chopped, 1 small English cucumber, diced, 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
- Toppings: 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped, 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional)
- Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish & Serving: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for the tree trunk and decoration), assorted crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks, for dipping
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, parsley, dill, cucumber, and scallions.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3:
- Pour the dressing over the chopped greens and toss gently to combine.
- Step 4:
- On a large serving platter, shape the salad mixture into a large triangle to resemble a holiday tree.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the tree to mimic snow.
- Step 6:
- Decorate with dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and pomegranate seeds for ornaments.
- Step 7:
- Place rosemary sprigs at the base to create a tree trunk and add a festive touch.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Save to Pinterest This salad always sparks joy when my family gathers, reminding us of festive seasons past and the warmth of home.
Notes
Substitute goat cheese for feta if desired. Add diced red bell pepper for extra color and crunch. For a vegan version, use vegan feta and maple syrup instead of honey. Pairs well with a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, small bowl (for dressing), whisk, chefs knife, cutting board, serving platter
Nutritional Information
Calories: 160, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 5 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and adds a festive touch to any holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What greens are used in the salad base?
Baby spinach, fresh parsley, fresh dill, diced cucumber, and scallions make up the fresh, herbaceous base.
- → Can the nuts be substituted?
Yes, toasted pecans or walnuts are traditional, but you can swap with other crunchy nuts to suit preferences or allergies.
- → How is the dressing made?
A simple mix of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper creates a bright, balanced dressing.
- → How is the salad shaped into a tree?
The chopped salad is arranged in a large triangle on a serving platter, mimicking a holiday tree silhouette.
- → Are there any suggested garnishes?
Dried cranberries, crumbled feta, toasted nuts, pomegranate seeds, and rosemary sprigs for the tree trunk add festive color and texture.
- → Is there a vegan option available?
Yes, substituting vegan feta and using maple syrup instead of honey accommodates vegan preferences.