What makes this salad festive?

The combination of vibrant pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley adds bright colors and flavors, perfect for holiday tables.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, it's best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to an hour to enhance flavors before serving.

Omitting the feta cheese or substituting it with a plant-based alternative makes the salad fully vegan.

The dressing features extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard, balanced with salt and pepper.

Toasted walnuts or pistachios add a crunchy element and enhance the festive appeal.

A fresh, festive salad featuring crisp cucumbers, vibrant pomegranate seeds, and a tangy citrus dressing—perfect for holiday gatherings.

This salad quickly became my go-to holiday side because it's light yet satisfying and brings a pop of color to the table.

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)

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.

This salad pairs beautifully with roast poultry or as part of a holiday buffet, making gatherings all the more special.

Large salad bowl, Small mixing bowl, Whisk, Sharp knife, Cutting board

Contains dairy if feta cheese is used. Mustard is present in the dressing. Double-check cheese and mustard labels for possible allergens.

Calories: 115, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 3 g

This refreshing salad is a simple yet impressive dish to add to your holiday menu.

→ What makes this salad festive?: The combination of vibrant pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley adds bright colors and flavors, perfect for holiday tables.
→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?: Yes, it's best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to an hour to enhance flavors before serving.
→ Are there any vegan adjustments possible?: Omitting the feta cheese or substituting it with a plant-based alternative makes the salad fully vegan.
→ What dressing ingredients are used?: The dressing features extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard, balanced with salt and pepper.
→ How can I add texture to this salad?: Toasted walnuts or pistachios add a crunchy element and enhance the festive appeal.