Elevate Your Holiday Table: The Ultimate Big Holiday Salad with Candied Nuts & Pomegranate Dressing

The holiday season, with its delightful chill in the air and the warmth of gathering loved ones, is synonymous with rich, comforting foods. Yet, amidst the decadent roasts, creamy casseroles, and sweet treats, there’s a vital need for balance—a refreshing counterpoint that invigorates the palate and brightens the entire meal. Enter the Great Big Holiday Salad: a dish that is not merely a side but a vibrant celebration in itself. This salad is meticulously crafted to be a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds, offering an explosion of seasonal flavors, delightful textures, and stunning colors that will beautifully complement any festive main course, from Thanksgiving turkey to Christmas ham.

What makes this salad truly extraordinary is its thoughtful combination of ingredients, each bringing a unique element to the table. We start with a base of peppery baby arugula, whose crisp bite cuts through richness. This is generously adorned with the sweet-tart burst of jewel-like pomegranate arils, the satisfying, earthy chew of wild rice, and the delicate saltiness of freshly shaved Parmesan cheese. But the real magic happens with our homemade candied walnuts and pumpkin seeds. These aren’t just crunchy; they’re coated in a delectable glaze of sweet maple syrup, a hint of spicy cayenne, and warm cinnamon, creating an irresistible sweet, spicy, and salty sensation that makes this salad truly unforgettable.

One of the most appealing aspects of this holiday salad is its inherent flexibility. While our recipe offers a harmonious blend of ingredients, we encourage you to make it your own. For instance, if you’re a fan of a creamier, tangier profile, swapping the shaved Parmesan for crumbled goat cheese is an excellent choice. The zesty notes of goat cheese beautifully enhance the peppery greens and sweet fruit, demonstrating how easily this recipe adapts to personal preferences without compromising on flavor or elegance. This adaptability makes it a forgiving and delightful recipe for any home cook, regardless of their holiday menu specifics.

No magnificent salad is complete without an equally magnificent dressing, and our homemade vinaigrette is specifically designed to encapsulate the essence of holiday dining. This bright and flavorful dressing combines the fresh zest of orange juice, the autumnal depth of apple cider vinegar, the delicate piquancy of minced shallots, and the comforting sweetness of maple syrup. Each component plays a crucial role, delivering a dressing that is light yet rich in flavor, perfectly balancing the various textures and tastes of the salad. It’s a dressing so delicious, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything!

Beyond its incredible taste, this holiday salad boasts remarkable versatility in pairings. It serves as an ideal accompaniment to a perfectly browned roast chicken, the star of your holiday spread turkey, or a succulent glazed ham. Its refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors cut through the richness of traditional holiday fare, providing a much-needed lightness that ensures every guest leaves feeling satisfied, but not overly stuffed. It’s the kind of side dish that earns rave reviews and becomes a staple on your annual holiday menu.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Holiday Salad: A Deeper Dive

The success of our Great Big Holiday Salad lies in the careful selection and thoughtful preparation of its core components. Each ingredient contributes significantly to the overall harmony of flavors and textures. Let’s explore why these specific items are chosen and how they elevate this festive dish:

• Wild Rice Blend: Far more robust and interesting than plain white rice, a wild rice blend offers a fantastic nutty flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture. It provides a hearty foundation that makes the salad more substantial and contributes complex earthy notes. This grain also boasts impressive nutritional benefits, including fiber and protein. If a specific blend isn’t available, short-grain brown rice is a suitable alternative for its similar texture and flavor profile. We advise against white rice, as its softer texture and milder taste wouldn’t provide the same depth to this holiday showstopper.
• Baby Arugula: Chosen for its distinct peppery kick, baby arugula offers a bright, slightly bitter, and crisp base that beautifully contrasts with the sweeter elements in the salad. Its vibrant green hue also adds to the visual appeal. For those who prefer a milder green, fresh romaine lettuce, tender baby spinach, or delicate little gem lettuces are all excellent substitutions. Feel free to use a blend of these for added complexity.
• Candied Walnuts and Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): This is where the salad truly shines! The act of lightly candying these nuts and seeds transforms them into irresistible morsels of sweet, spicy, and salty crunch. Walnuts bring a buttery richness, while pumpkin seeds add an earthy note. The glaze—a simple mixture of sugar, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and maple syrup—creates a unique flavor profile that makes the salad pop. If you prefer pecans, they make a fantastic swap for walnuts, offering a similar texture and depth. This step is essential for that gourmet touch.
• Sugar: A small amount of granulated sugar is crucial for creating the perfect caramelized coating on our candied nuts and seeds, ensuring they achieve that delightful, irresistible crunch.
• Seasonings: We use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as foundational seasonings. A dash of cayenne pepper introduces a subtle, warming heat to the candied nuts, adding an exciting dimension. Ground cinnamon, with its cozy and aromatic qualities, perfectly infuses the nuts with the comforting essence of holiday spices.
• Pomegranate Seeds (Arils): These ruby-red jewels are a visual and textural powerhouse. They burst with a sweet-tart flavor and provide a delightful pop of crunch, bringing vibrant color and freshness to every bite. While you can purchase pre-packaged arils, deseeding a fresh pomegranate yourself is surprisingly simple (a water bath method can minimize mess!) and often yields superior flavor. They can be prepped several days ahead, making holiday meal planning a breeze.
• Shaved Parmesan Cheese: Offering a robust, salty, and umami-rich flavor, freshly shaved Parmesan adds sophistication and depth. The thin shavings melt slightly in your mouth, providing a pleasant textural contrast. For those who enjoy different cheese profiles, the tangy creaminess of goat cheese or the salty crumble of feta cheese are superb alternatives, each lending a unique character to the finished dish.
• Orange Juice: A splash of fresh orange juice in our vinaigrette provides a bright, citrusy lift that beautifully complements the autumnal flavors. Its acidity balances the sweetness and prevents the dressing from feeling heavy. Freshly squeezed juice is always recommended for the best flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This vinegar serves as the primary acidic component of our dressing, offering a pleasant tang and a subtle fruity depth. Its distinct flavor pairs wonderfully with the other seasonal ingredients.
• Shallots: Finely minced shallots are a crucial ingredient for the dressing, contributing a delicate, aromatic onion flavor that is milder and more nuanced than regular onions, enhancing the dressing without overpowering it.
• Dijon Mustard: More than just for flavor, Dijon mustard is vital for emulsifying the dressing. It helps bind the oil and vinegar together, creating a smooth, cohesive vinaigrette that adheres beautifully to the salad greens.
• Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener infuses both the candied nuts and the dressing with a rich, complex sweetness and a distinctive fall/winter flavor that is deeply comforting and synonymous with holiday festivities.
• Olive Oil: Given that the dressing is not cooked, using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil is highly recommended. Its full, fruity notes will shine through, adding a luxurious mouthfeel and depth of flavor.

Looking for other creative ways to use up pepitas and walnuts? Don’t let those delicious nuts go to waste! Try my homemade crunchy pumpkin spice granola recipe for a delightful breakfast or snack, perfect for making big, satisfying clusters!

Mastering Your Festive Salad: Essential Make-Ahead Tips

Creating an impressive holiday meal can be a balancing act, but with strategic planning, your show-stopping salad can be mostly prepared in advance, allowing you to relax and enjoy the festivities. These expert tips will help you manage your time effectively and ensure every component of your Great Big Holiday Salad is perfect:

1. Perfect Your Candied Nuts & Seeds: The candied nuts are a star component, adding incredible texture and flavor. To prevent sticking and ensure easy removal, always line your plate or baking sheet with parchment paper before transferring the hot nuts. Spread them in a single layer to cool completely; this is crucial for achieving that desirable crispiness. The fantastic news is that you can prepare these crunchy gems up to 3 days ahead of your event. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, they’ll retain their delightful crunch and won’t soften, making them perfect for a last-minute addition.
2. Prepare Pomegranate Arils in Advance: Those vibrant, juicy pomegranate arils are not just beautiful; they provide a burst of sweet-tart flavor and a delightful pop. While pre-packaged arils offer convenience, deseeding a fresh pomegranate often yields superior taste and freshness. A simple and mess-free method involves scoring the pomegranate and submerging it in a bowl of water to gently separate the arils. You can easily do this 4-5 days ahead of your holiday gathering. Once separated, pat them dry with a paper towel and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ready for assembly.
3. Whip Up Your Signature Dressing Ahead: A well-made dressing is the soul of any salad, and our orange-shallot vinaigrette is no exception. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously until well combined and emulsified. This dressing can be prepared with ease 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen and meld beautifully. Just remember to give it another thorough shake right before serving, as the ingredients may naturally separate when chilled. This saves precious time on the day of the event!
4. Cook the Wild Rice Early: For a truly stress-free holiday assembly, cooking your wild rice blend in advance is a smart move. Prepare the wild rice according to package instructions, ensuring it’s cooked al dente—chewy but not mushy. Once cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely to room temperature. This step is important to prevent wilting the fresh greens when you combine them. Once cooled, transfer the wild rice to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. With these components prepped, all that’s left is to assemble and dress, impressing your guests with minimal last-minute effort!

More Festive Green Salads to Explore

If you’re looking to broaden your repertoire of fresh, vibrant, and celebration-worthy salads, or simply crave more greens amidst the holiday feast, these recipes offer diverse flavors and textures perfect for any festive table:

• Crisp Celery Apple Salad with Toasted Walnuts and a Zesty Dressing
• Tangy Spinach Date Salad with Crunchy Pita Chips and a Bright Vinaigrette
• Refreshing Pear and Walnut Salad with Creamy Gorgonzola and Balsamic Glaze
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Sweet Apples and Salty Manchego Cheese
• Bright Honeycrisp Kale Salad with a Zesty Parm Vinaigrette and Toasted Almonds
• Flavorful Pickled Beet Salad with Toasted Almonds and Crumbled Feta Cheese

Delightful & Easy Holiday Appetizers to Start Your Feast

To truly complete your holiday entertaining, pair your magnificent salad with these effortlessly elegant and crowd-pleasing appetizers. They’re perfect for welcoming guests and setting a joyous tone for your festive meal:

• Irresistible Hot Honey Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls – A Sweet and Spicy Delight
• Savory Spinach and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms – A Classic Crowd-Pleaser
• Elegant Cranberry Brie Bites in Flaky Puff Pastry – Simple Yet Impressive
• Charming Pull Apart Garlic Roll Wreath – Perfect for Sharing and Dipping

Yield: Serves 6-8

Great Big Holiday Salad with Candied Nuts & Pomegranate

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
5 minutes

Total Time
25 minutes

This Great Big Holiday Salad is the ultimate festive side dish your celebration table needs! Packed with vibrant flavors, delightful textures, and seasonal ingredients, it’s a refreshing and colorful addition that pairs perfectly with any main course for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering.

Ingredients

For the Candied Nuts:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup walnuts
• ⅓ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 pinch kosher salt

For the Salad:

• 1 cup cooked wild rice blend (see note for dry to cooked ratio)
• 8 ounces baby arugula or your preferred mixed greens
• ½ cup fresh pomegranate arils
• ½ cup freshly shaved parmesan cheese (or goat cheese/feta)

For the Homemade Orange-Shallot Vinaigrette:

• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (or fresh lemon juice)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced shallots
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅓ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. PREPARE CANDIED NUTS: Begin by lining a plate or a small baking sheet with parchment paper; set this aside. In a 10-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the walnuts and pumpkin seeds. Toss them gently to coat evenly in the butter and allow them to toast for about 45-60 seconds, until lightly fragrant.
2. SEASON & COOL NUTS: Sprinkle the sugar, cayenne pepper, and ground cinnamon over the nuts and stir continuously to combine thoroughly. Continue cooking for another minute until the sugar starts to melt. Then, pour in the maple syrup and stir until a tacky, thick layer forms over all the nuts and seeds. Immediately transfer the candied mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined plate, spreading them in a single layer. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over them while they’re still warm. Let them cool completely to room temperature before breaking them into smaller pieces for the salad.
3. MAKE THE DRESSING: To prepare the vibrant vinaigrette, combine the fresh orange juice (or lemon juice), apple cider vinegar, minced shallots, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds until all the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is emulsified. If preparing ahead, store in the refrigerator and shake again before use.
4. ASSEMBLE & SERVE: In a large serving bowl or on a beautiful platter, arrange the baby arugula or your chosen mixed greens as the base. Evenly scatter the cooked wild rice blend and the brilliant pomegranate arils over the greens. Give the dressing another quick shake if it has separated. Drizzle about half of the vinaigrette over the salad, tossing gently to coat. Add more dressing as needed, according to your preference. Finally, top the salad generously with the freshly shaved Parmesan cheese and the crunchy candied nuts. Serve immediately and enjoy this spectacular holiday centerpiece!

Notes for Success

• Wild Rice Yield: For this recipe, approximately ⅓ cup of dry wild rice blend will yield roughly 1 cup of cooked rice. You can often find pre-cooked or frozen wild rice blends in grocery stores, which are excellent time-savers. Just ensure they are thawed and cooled to room temperature before incorporating into the salad.
• Maximize Make-Ahead Prep: This holiday salad is incredibly friendly for advance preparation! The candied nuts, pomegranate arils, and the dressing can all be prepared 1-3 days prior to your event. Store the dressing and pomegranate arils separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The candied nuts should be kept at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain their crispness. The cooked wild rice can also be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. This thoughtful prep ensures minimal stress on the day of serving, allowing you to simply assemble and impress!
• Customization is Key: Don’t hesitate to personalize this salad! Consider adding thinly sliced crisp Granny Smith apples or juicy pears for extra sweetness and crunch. Grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas can transform it into a more substantial main course. Experiment with different cheeses like crumbled goat cheese or feta for varying flavor profiles. Even a sprinkle of dried cranberries can add a festive touch. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to use ingredients you love or have on hand.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 368Total Fat: 24gCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 6gSugar: 8gProtein: 13g

The nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is just an estimate. To get the most accurate information, please input the ingredients you’ve used into a nutrition calculator.

Have you made this recipe?

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This Great Big Holiday Salad is truly more than just a side dish; it’s a thoughtfully crafted experience designed to bring freshness, sophistication, and vibrant flavor to your holiday table without adding stress to your busy schedule. With its make-ahead friendly components, customizable nature, and incredible balance of flavors and textures, it’s a recipe you’ll undoubtedly return to year after year. This holiday season, delight your senses and impress your guests by embracing the extraordinary with this truly magnificent and indispensable salad. Your guests (and your palate!) will thank you for this refreshing addition to the traditional holiday feast!