Chopped Christmas Tree Salad

Featured in: Healthy Bowls

Experience a festive blend of finely chopped kale, spinach, broccoli, and cucumber tossed with sweet red bell pepper and crunchy pomegranate seeds. This vibrant green salad is dressed with a tangy lemon, apple cider vinegar, and honey emulsion, topped with creamy feta and toasted nuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it offers fresh textures and a blend of savory and sweet notes. Easily adapted with vegan cheese or seed substitutes for dietary needs, this salad shines as a fresh and colorful addition to any meal.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:37:00 GMT
Vibrant Chopped Christmas Tree Salad, a healthy and festive vegetarian dish, ready to enjoy. Save
Vibrant Chopped Christmas Tree Salad, a healthy and festive vegetarian dish, ready to enjoy. | bakozy.com

A festive, vibrant salad featuring chopped green vegetables, bright pomegranate seeds, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts—perfect for holiday gatherings.

This salad has become my go-to during the Christmas season because it's easy to prepare and always impresses guests.

Ingredients

  • Greens: 2 cups kale leaves, finely chopped (stems removed), 1 cup baby spinach, chopped, 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped, 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • Vegetables & Fruit: 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced, 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • Cheese & Nuts: 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled, 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
  • Dressing: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, combine kale, spinach, broccoli, and cucumber.
Step 2:
Massage the kale gently with a drizzle of olive oil for 1–2 minutes to soften.
Step 3:
Add red bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, and red onion to the greens and toss gently.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
Step 5:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Step 6:
Top with crumbled feta and toasted pecans or walnuts.
Step 7:
Transfer to a serving platter. For a festive touch, shape the salad into a Christmas tree and decorate with extra pomegranate seeds and feta.
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This salad always sparks joy during our holiday meals and brings everyone together around the table.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, Small bowl for dressing, Whisk, Chopping board and knife, Salad tongs

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pecans/walnuts). Omit nuts for nut allergies double-check cheese for dairy allergies.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 210, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 15 g, Protein 6 g

Freshly tossed Chopped Christmas Tree Salad, featuring bright red pomegranate jewels and creamy feta cheese. Save
Freshly tossed Chopped Christmas Tree Salad, featuring bright red pomegranate jewels and creamy feta cheese. | bakozy.com

This recipe is a quick and easy way to add vibrant color and flavor to your holiday table.

Recipe FAQ

→ What greens are used in this salad?

Kale, baby spinach, broccoli florets, and cucumber form the base, finely chopped for a balanced texture.

→ How is the dressing prepared?

The dressing blends olive oil, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper whisked until smooth.

→ Can I substitute the nuts in this salad?

Yes, toasted pecans or walnuts can be swapped for pumpkin seeds to accommodate nut allergies or preferences.

→ Is there a way to make it vegan-friendly?

Omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep the creamy element without dairy.

→ How should the salad be served for a festive touch?

Shape the salad into a Christmas tree on a platter and decorate with extra pomegranate seeds and feta crumbles.

Chopped Christmas Tree Salad

A bright salad featuring greens, pomegranate, feta, and nuts with a citrusy dressing.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage Modern American

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Greens

01 2 cups finely chopped kale leaves, stems removed
02 1 cup chopped baby spinach
03 1 cup finely chopped broccoli florets
04 1 cup diced cucumber

Vegetables & Fruit

01 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
02 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
03 1/4 cup finely diced red onion

Cheese & Nuts

01 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
02 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped

Dressing

01 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
02 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
03 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
04 1 tsp Dijon mustard
05 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
06 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Phase 01

Combine Greens: In a large mixing bowl, combine the kale, spinach, broccoli, and cucumber.

Phase 02

Massage Kale: Gently massage the kale with a drizzle of olive oil for 1 to 2 minutes to soften leaves.

Phase 03

Add Vegetables and Fruit: Add the red bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, and red onion to the greens and toss gently.

Phase 04

Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.

Phase 05

Dress Salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss to coat all ingredients thoroughly.

Phase 06

Add Toppings: Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans or walnuts.

Phase 07

Serve Festively: Transfer salad to a serving platter, shaping it into a Christmas tree. Decorate with additional pomegranate seeds and feta for a festive presentation.

Tools needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Whisk
  • Chopping board and knife
  • Salad tongs

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pecans or walnuts).
  • Omit nuts for nut allergies and verify cheese for dairy sensitivities.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 6 g