The Ultimate Festive Winter Salad Wreath with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe

Winter’s crisp magic dances through this festive salad wreath with unexpected flavor combinations that spark joy.

Colorful ingredients spiral across your plate like an edible celebration.

Bright citrus notes weave through delicate greens and vibrant vegetables.

Seasonal produce becomes a canvas for culinary creativity, blending textures and tastes.

Each bite tells a story of fresh, wholesome ingredients carefully selected to delight.

Contrasting flavors create a symphony that feels both elegant and approachable.

You’ll want to gather around the table and savor every delightful forkful.

Top Reasons To Love Festive Winter Salad Wreath With Citrus Vinaigrette

• Craft a Festive Centerpiece: Transform a simple salad into a stunning holiday decoration that doubles as a delicious dish, perfect for impressing guests at any winter gathering.
• Celebrate Fresh Seasonal Flavors: Blend bright citrus, crisp fennel, sweet pomegranate, and tangy goat cheese for a vibrant flavor explosion that captures the essence of winter produce.
• Quick and Simple Assembly: Arrange ingredients in a wreath shape with minimal cooking required, making this recipe ideal for busy hosts who want maximum visual impact with minimal effort.
• Nutrition-Packed Holiday Treat: Pack your plate with colorful, nutrient-rich ingredients that offer a healthy alternative to heavy traditional holiday dishes while still feeling indulgent and special.

What Goes Into Festive Winter Salad Wreath With Citrus Vinaigrette

• Mixed Greens: A fresh and crisp foundation that creates the base of the festive winter salad.

• Radishes, Fennel: Crisp vegetables that add a sharp and refreshing crunch to the salad.
• Orange Segments: Sweet and juicy citrus that brings a bright flavor and vibrant color.
• Pomegranate Seeds: Jewel-like seeds that provide a tart burst and festive appearance.

• Toasted Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that offer a rich, nutty flavor and textural contrast.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that adds a luxurious touch to the salad.
• Rosemary Sprigs: Aromatic herb that enhances the winter theme and provides a decorative wreath-like garnish.

• Orange Juice, Lemon Juice: Citrus juices that form the bright and zesty base of the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle heat and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness to balance the acidic citrus.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Smooth oil that helps create a creamy and well-blended vinaigrette.

Steps To Make Festive Winter Salad Wreath With Citrus Vinaigrette

Step 1: Whip Up Vibrant Citrus Vinaigrette

• Fresh orange juice
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Golden honey
• Sea salt
• Cracked black pepper

Gradually stream in olive oil while continuously whisking to create a smooth, emulsified dressing.

Set aside.

Step 2: Design Lush Green Canvas

Select a spacious round platter and artfully spread mixed salad greens in a circular wreath shape, intentionally leaving the center open to mimic a festive holiday design.

Step 3: Layer Colorful Seasonal Ingredients

• Thinly sliced radishes
• Delicate fennel ribbons
• Juicy orange segments
• Ruby-red pomegranate seeds

Step 4: Sprinkle Crunchy Texture Enhancers

• Toasted walnuts
• Crumbled creamy goat cheese

Step 5: Add Herbal Wreath Accent

Delicately place fresh rosemary sprigs around the salad’s edge to complete the festive wreath presentation.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Drizzle citrus vinaigrette moments before serving, or present dressing alongside the salad for personalized enjoyment.

Helpful Hints For Festive Winter Salad Wreath With Citrus Vinaigrette

• Prep the vinaigrette ahead of time to let flavors meld and intensify, creating a more robust dressing.
• Choose crisp, fresh greens like arugula or baby spinach for added texture and nutrition boost.
• Toast walnuts briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch to the salad.
• Adjust vinaigrette sweetness by balancing honey levels according to personal taste preferences.
• Swap goat cheese with vegan alternatives like cashew cheese for dairy-free dietary needs.

Fresh Takes On Festive Winter Salad Wreath With Citrus Vinaigrette

• Festive Mediterranean Wreath: Replace goat cheese with feta, add kalamata olives, and swap walnuts for pine nuts. Enhance the vinaigrette with a touch of oregano.
• Winter Berry Celebration: Substitute pomegranate seeds with cranberries, use blue cheese instead of goat cheese, and add sliced almonds. Include a hint of maple syrup in the dressing.
• Roasted Vegetable Fusion: Incorporate roasted butternut squash and caramelized Brussels sprouts. Replace fresh orange segments with roasted citrus. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top and use a warm honey-thyme vinaigrette.
• Protein-Packed Holiday Ring: Add grilled chicken or smoked salmon. Include quinoa around the wreath's center. Swap mixed greens with kale and spinach blend.

Serve Festive Winter Salad Wreath With Citrus Vinaigrette With These

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the citrusy vinaigrette and cuts through the richness of goat cheese.
• Serve Sparkling Water with Citrus: Add fresh orange or lemon slices to sparkling water to echo the salad's citrus notes and provide a refreshing, palate-cleansing beverage.
• Match with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Offer a rustic, tangy sourdough to balance the salad's delicate flavors and provide a satisfying textural contrast with its crisp crust and soft interior.
• Complement with Chilled Rosé: Choose a light, dry rosé wine that harmonizes with the salad's winter fruits and provides a subtle, elegant accompaniment to the festive dish.

Storing Festive Winter Salad Wreath With Citrus Vinaigrette The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Separate salad components and dressing. Store greens, fruits, and toppings in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep vinaigrette in a sealed jar.
• Quick Refresh: Toss chilled ingredients gently before serving. Add fresh nuts and cheese just before eating to maintain crispness and texture.
• Dressing Care: Store citrus vinaigrette separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before using to re-emulsify the ingredients.
• Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze this salad, as fresh ingredients will lose their crisp texture and become soggy when thawed.

Festive Winter Salad Wreath With Citrus Vinaigrette FAQ

• Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the citrus vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using.

• What if I can't find fresh pomegranate seeds?

You can use dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries as a substitute. They’ll provide a similar tart and sweet flavor profile to the pomegranate seeds.

• How do I toast the walnuts for the best flavor?

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch carefully to prevent burning, and remove from heat when they become fragrant and slightly golden.

Festive Winter Salad Wreath with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Culinary magic blooms in this Winter Salad Wreath, a festive masterpiece blending seasonal greens and vibrant citrus notes. Guests will delight in its elegant presentation and fresh, zesty flavors that celebrate cold-weather bounty.

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Ingredients

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Salad Ingredients:

Greens:

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, kale)

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup orange segments
• 1 cup thinly sliced radishes
• 1 cup thinly sliced fennel

Toppings:

• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Citrus Vinaigrette:

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) olive oil

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the citrus vinaigrette by combining freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices with Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small mixing container.
2. Whisk the ingredients vigorously while gradually introducing olive oil in a slow, steady stream to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing.
3. Select a large circular serving platter and meticulously spread mixed greens to form a wreath-like foundation, ensuring an open central space.
4. Delicately distribute thinly sliced radishes and shaved fennel across the leafy base, creating an elegant layer of texture and color.
5. Artfully place vibrant orange segments and jewel-like pomegranate seeds throughout the salad, ensuring even distribution.
6. Scatter golden toasted walnuts and crumble tangy goat cheese over the arranged ingredients for additional depth and richness.
7. Enhance the festive presentation by tucking fresh rosemary sprigs strategically around the salad’s perimeter, mimicking a traditional holiday wreath.
8. Just before serving, either drizzle the prepared citrus vinaigrette generously over the salad or serve it separately in a elegant serving vessel.

Notes

• Make vinaigrette ahead of time to let flavors meld and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Choose fresh, crisp greens like arugula or baby spinach for better texture and vibrant color contrast.
• Swap goat cheese with plant-based alternatives like almond feta for vegan dietary needs.
• Toast walnuts carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching them closely in a dry skillet.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg