Save A festive, vibrant salad shaped like a holiday tree, featuring tangy feta, sweet cranberries, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs—perfect as a centerpiece dip for celebrations.
This salad has been a hit at every family gathering—everyone loves the fresh herbs combined with the sweet and tangy toppings.
Ingredients
- Base Salad: 2 cups baby spinach, finely chopped, 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1 cup fresh dill, finely chopped, 1 small English cucumber, diced, 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
- Toppings: 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped, 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional)
- Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish & Serving: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for the tree trunk and decoration), Assorted crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks, for dipping
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, parsley, dill, cucumber, and scallions.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3:
- Pour the dressing over the chopped greens and toss gently to combine.
- Step 4:
- On a large serving platter, shape the salad mixture into a large triangle to resemble a holiday tree.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the tree to mimic snow.
- Step 6:
- Decorate with dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and pomegranate seeds for ornaments.
- Step 7:
- Place rosemary sprigs at the base to create a tree trunk and add a festive touch.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Save This salad always brings joy to family celebrations and gets everyone talking about the creative presentation and fresh flavors.
Notes
Substitute goat cheese for feta if desired. Add diced red bell pepper for extra color and crunch. For a vegan version, use vegan feta and maple syrup instead of honey. Pairs well with a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, small bowl (for dressing), whisk, chefs knife, cutting board, serving platter
Nutritional Information
Calories: 160, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 5 g (per serving)
Save This beautiful tree salad is sure to impress your guests with its colors and flavors every holiday season.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients give this salad its festive appearance?
The salad is shaped like a tree, topped with crumbled feta to mimic snow, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, pomegranate seeds, and rosemary sprigs for a trunk effect.
- → Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Yes, goat cheese or vegan feta alternatives work well for different dietary preferences.
- → What is the best way to prepare the greens?
Finely chop baby spinach, parsley, dill, cucumber, and scallions to evenly distribute flavors.
- → How should I serve the salad?
Shape the salad on a large platter into a triangle resembling a tree and serve with crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, when served with gluten-free crackers and confirming all ingredients are gluten-free.
- → Can I make a vegan version?
Use vegan feta and replace honey with maple syrup to keep it plant-based.