Chopped Christmas Tree Salad

Featured in: Vegetarian Favorites

This colorful salad combines finely chopped kale, spinach, broccoli, and cucumber for a fresh green base. Bright pomegranate seeds add bursts of sweetness, balanced by crumbled feta and toasted nuts for a creamy and crunchy contrast. The dressing blends olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey for a tangy finish. Arranged in a festive shape, it's perfect for holiday tables and easy to prepare in 20 minutes.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:33:00 GMT
Vibrant Christmas Tree Salad with chopped greens, feta, and pomegranate seeds for the holidays. Save
Vibrant Christmas Tree Salad with chopped greens, feta, and pomegranate seeds for the holidays. | cinnamonglow.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 a holiday staple in my family because it brings both freshness and festive cheer to the table.

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 12 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.
Freshly tossed Chopped Christmas Tree Salad, a bright, delicious holiday appetizer with crunchy pecans. Save
Freshly tossed Chopped Christmas Tree Salad, a bright, delicious holiday appetizer with crunchy pecans. | cinnamonglow.com

Gathering around this salad during the holidays always sparks joy and memorable moments with family.

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 or walnuts) Omit nuts for nut allergies double-check cheese for dairy allergies

Nutritional Information

Calories 210 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 15 g Protein 6 g per serving

Festive Chopped Christmas Tree Salad: a colorful, healthy vegetarian dish ready to serve and enjoy. Save
Festive Chopped Christmas Tree Salad: a colorful, healthy vegetarian dish ready to serve and enjoy. | cinnamonglow.com

This salad is not only healthy but also visually stunning perfect for any holiday feast.

Recipe FAQ Section

What greens are used in this salad?

Kale, baby spinach, broccoli florets, and cucumber comprise the green base, all finely chopped for easy tossing.

How is the dressing prepared?

The dressing combines extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper whisked into a smooth vinaigrette.

Can nuts be substituted?

Yes, toasted pecans or walnuts can be replaced with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative.

What cheese is included in the salad?

Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element to contrast the fresh vegetables and crunchy nuts.

How can this salad be made vegan?

Omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative to accommodate vegan preferences.

How is the festive presentation achieved?

The salad is shaped into a Christmas tree on the serving platter and decorated with extra pomegranate seeds and feta for a seasonal touch.

Chopped Christmas Tree Salad

Vibrant salad featuring kale, pomegranate, feta, and crunchy nuts dressed with citrus vinaigrette.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Hannah Collins

Classification Vegetarian Favorites

Skill level Easy

Cultural Origin Modern American

Output 6 Portion count

Dietary considerations Meat-free, Without gluten

Components

Greens

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

Vegetables & Fruit

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

Cheese & Nuts

01 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Add Vegetables and Fruit: Incorporate diced red bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, and finely diced red onion into the mixed greens and toss gently.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Dress Salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss until fully coated.

Phase 06

Add Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans or walnuts on top.

Phase 07

Arrange and Serve: Transfer salad to a serving platter. For a festive touch, shape into a Christmas tree and adorn with extra pomegranate seeds and feta crumbles.

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 consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain about any ingredients.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pecans or walnuts).

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

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