Go Back
Festive 15 minute christmas salad with arugula pears pomegranate candied pecans goat cheese and avocado

Christmas Salad

Festive and elegant Christmas salad with fresh arugula, ripe pears, avocado, pomegranate arils, candied pecans, and goat cheese. Tossed in a maple balsamic vinaigrette, this stunning side dish is perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions, ready in just 27 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 245
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For Candied Pecans
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • pinch salt
For Salad
  • 8 cups fresh arugula
  • 2 ripe pears Sliced thin
  • 1 avocado Sliced
  • 0.5 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 4 oz goat cheese Crumbled
For Dressing
  • 0.33 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper To taste

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large platter
  • Sharp knife
  • Salad spinner

Method
 

  1. Serve immediately while greens are crisp.
  2. Cool Pecans – Let cool completely on baking sheet until crisp.
  3. Make Dressing – Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  4. Prepare Greens – Wash and dry arugula, then arrange on a large platter.
  5. Slice Fruit – Thinly slice pears and avocado.
  6. Assemble – Arrange pears and avocado over arugula.
  7. Add Toppings – Scatter pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, and goat cheese on top.
  8. Dress – Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.
  9. Serve – Serve immediately while greens are crisp.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.