Pin A fresh, festive salad featuring crisp cucumbers, vibrant pomegranate seeds, and a tangy citrus dressing—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This salad has become a holiday favorite in my family, brightening our table and adding a refreshing touch to festive meals.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers: sliced into thin rounds
- 1 small red onion: thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper: diced
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley: finely chopped
- 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
- 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 
This salad has brought my family together around the table, sparking joy and compliments at every holiday gathering.
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 (per serving)
Calories 115, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 13 g, Protein 3 g
Pin This salad is a simple yet elegant addition to any holiday menu, promising freshness and color in every bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes this salad festive?
The combination of vibrant pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley gives a bright, holiday feel to the crisp cucumber base.
- → Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → How should I prepare the dressing?
Whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended for a flavorful dressing.
- → Is it best served immediately or chilled?
Serving immediately preserves the crispness, but refrigerating for up to an hour can help flavors meld gently.
- → What optional ingredients can enhance the salad?
Toasted walnuts or pistachios add crunch, and crumbled feta provides a creamy contrast to the fresh vegetables and fruit.