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 become a holiday tradition in my family, always drawing compliments at every gathering.
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 recipe brings my family together every year, making holiday moments even more special.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Small bowl (for dressing), Whisk, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pecans or walnuts). Use nut-free toppings if needed for allergies. Gluten-free if served with gluten-free crackers; check all ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 160 Calories Total Fat: 10 g Carbohydrates: 13 g Protein: 5 g
Save This cranberry & feta cheese tree dip salad is the perfect festive centerpiece and crowd pleaser.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute goat cheese for feta?
Yes, goat cheese can be used as a creamier alternative to feta while maintaining a tangy flavor profile.
- → How do I make this salad vegan?
Replace feta with vegan cheese alternatives and swap honey for maple syrup to keep the dressing plant-based.
- → What nuts work best for this salad?
Toasted pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and woody flavor that complements the creamy feta and sweet cranberries.
- → Can the salad be prepared in advance?
For best freshness, prepare the greens and dressing separately, then assemble just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
- → What can I serve with this salad for dipping?
Assorted crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumber pair well for dipping and serving.