Pin Recipe A fresh, festive salad featuring crisp cucumbers, vibrant pomegranate seeds, and a tangy citrus dressing—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I enjoy serving this salad during the holidays as it adds a refreshing touch to the table that everyone appreciates.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 2 large cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Fruit: ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- Herbs: ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Dressing: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumber slices, red onion, red bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, and parsley.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Step 3:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
- Step 5:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour for enhanced flavors.
Pin Recipe This salad pairs beautifully with roast poultry or as part of a holiday buffet, making every family gathering brighter.
Required Tools
Large salad bowl, Small mixing bowl, Whisk, Sharp knife, Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy if feta cheese is used. Mustard is present in the dressing. Double-check cheese and mustard labels for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 115, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 13 g, Protein 3 g (per serving)
Pin Recipe This healthy salad is a refreshing addition to any holiday menu and quick to prepare.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the dressing flavorful?
The combination of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard creates a balanced tangy and slightly sweet dressing.
- → Can I prepare this salad in advance?
It's best served fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to one hour to let the flavors meld without losing crispness.
- → Is feta cheese necessary?
Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast but can be omitted or replaced with a plant-based alternative for dietary preferences.
- → What ingredients provide texture contrast?
Crisp cucumber slices and crunchy pomegranate seeds offer refreshing texture, enhanced optionally by toasted nuts like walnuts or pistachios.
- → How can I boost the salad’s festive appeal?
Adding vibrant pomegranate seeds, fresh parsley, and optional nuts or feta cheese enhances both visual appeal and flavor complexity.