Christmas Pomegranate Pear Wreath Salad Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your guests with a salad that’s as festive as a Christmas morning, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Christmas Pomegranate Pear Wreath Salad Recipe is a showstopper that brings together vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a cozy holiday vibe in one beautiful dish. Trust me, when I first tried this recipe, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make something that looks so fancy but tastes even better. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas feast or just want a nutritious and pretty salad to brighten your table, this recipe will be your new go-to.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Christmas Pomegranate Pear Wreath Salad Recipe work together to create layers of texture and flavor. When you’re shopping, look for ripe but firm Bartlett pears—they hold their shape beautifully once sliced, which gives your salad that elegant edge.

• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright acidity to balance the sweetness and richness.
• Olive oil: The base of the dressing, giving it a smooth finish.
• Dijon mustard: Gives just a hint of tang to deepen the dressing’s flavor.
• Maple syrup: A warm natural sweetener that pairs wonderfully with pecans and fruit.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
• Chopped pecans: Toasted and caramelized with maple syrup, they provide a crunchy, sweet surprise.
• Fresh baby spinach: The lush green base that makes up your wreath.
• Bartlett pear: Thinly sliced for a crisp, juicy bite.
• Pomegranate arils: Bright red jewels that add color and a pop of tartness.
• Dried cranberries: Tucked throughout for chewy bursts of sweetness.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy, the perfect finishing touch to round out the salad.

Variations

I love how customizable this Christmas Pomegranate Pear Wreath Salad Recipe is! Depending on your taste, or maybe what you have in the pantry, you can easily tweak it to make it your own.

• Nut substitution: I once swapped pecans for toasted walnuts, and the salad still had that perfect crunch and flavor I adore.
• Dressing twist: Try adding a splash of orange juice for a citrusy zing that brightens the whole dish.
• Vegan adjustment: Leave out the feta or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative to keep things plant-based without losing creaminess.
• Seasonal fruits: I’ve experimented with adding thin apple slices alongside the pears for extra texture and sweetness.

How to Make Christmas Pomegranate Pear Wreath Salad Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dressing

Start by whisking together olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. The sweet maple syrup beautifully balances the tangy vinegar and mustard here. I find using a small whisk or a fork helps get it nice and emulsified quickly—no lumps, just smooth, silky dressing.

Step 2: Caramelize the Pecans

This is my favorite part! Warm a small frying pan over medium-high heat, then add the pecans and a tablespoon of maple syrup. Stir frequently for 5 to 8 minutes until the syrup evaporates and the nuts are glossy and toasted. This creates such a heavenly aroma and that satisfying sweet crunch that takes your salad to the next level. Pro tip: Don’t walk away—you want to avoid any burning!

Step 3: Arrange the Wreath

Place a bowl or ramekin with the dressing right in the center of your serving platter. Then, carefully arrange the fresh baby spinach all around it in a circular ‘wreath’ shape. It’s a simple trick that looks super impressive. When I serve this at holiday parties, people always comment on how festive and inviting it looks.

Step 4: Add the Festive Toppings

Now for the magic—top the spinach ring with thinly sliced pear, pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, your warm maple-glazed pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. I like to tuck some of these ingredients underneath the spinach leaves to add layers of texture and color. It gives the platter a lush, abundant feel that’s super inviting.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When ready to eat, spoon out individual servings onto plates, drizzle with as much dressing as you like, and toss lightly to combine. The dressing is perfect—not too heavy, just enough to bring everything together without weighing down those fresh greens.

How to Serve Christmas Pomegranate Pear Wreath Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a few extra pomegranate arils and a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top just before serving—it adds that little pop of color and crunch that makes everyone’s first bite extra special. Sometimes I even scatter a couple of fresh herb leaves like mint or parsley for a fresh fragrance that pairs beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with richer mains like roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, or even a creamy risotto. For a plant-based holiday meal, I love serving it alongside roasted root vegetables or stuffed mushrooms to keep the feast light and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I served this salad on a rustic wooden platter decorated with fresh pine sprigs and cinnamon sticks around the edges—it was a huge hit with guests and made the whole holiday table pop with Christmas spirit. For a smaller gathering, you can make individual mini wreaths on small plates or use ring molds to shape each salad portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, store the components separately if you can—that way, the spinach doesn’t get soggy and the pears stay fresh. Keep the dressing in a small jar or container in the fridge and toss just before eating. Leftover salad packed tightly with dressing tends to wilt due to moisture.

Freezing

Because of the fresh fruit and greens, I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The texture of the pears and spinach would get mushy and lose that lovely crispness we want for this dish.

Reheating

This salad is best served fresh and cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to enjoy the pecans warm, you can quickly toast any leftovers separately before sprinkling on top of the fresh greens and fruit.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Pomegranate Pear Wreath Salad Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to, year after year. It’s a beautiful way to add fresh flavor, color, and holiday cheer to your table without any fuss. Plus, hearing my family’s “oohs” and “ahhs” when I bring out that festive wreath—it just never gets old. I can’t wait for you to try making this yourself and watch it become a beloved tradition at your holiday gatherings!

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