Cranberry Feta Tree Salad (Printer-friendly)

Vibrant holiday salad featuring feta, cranberries, nuts, and fresh herbs shaped like a festive tree.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Base Salad

01 - 2 cups baby spinach, finely chopped
02 - 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
03 - 1 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
04 - 1 small English cucumber, diced
05 - 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced

→ Toppings

06 - 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
07 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries
08 - 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
09 - 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional)

→ Dressing

10 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish & Serving

15 - Fresh rosemary sprigs for tree trunk and decoration
16 - Assorted crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks for dipping

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, mix the chopped spinach, parsley, dill, cucumber, and scallions until evenly distributed.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the base mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Transfer the dressed mixture onto a large serving platter and form it into a triangle resembling a holiday tree.
05 - Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the shaped salad to imitate snow.
06 - Distribute dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and optional pomegranate seeds over the salad to replicate holiday ornaments.
07 - Place fresh rosemary sprigs at the base of the triangle to resemble a tree trunk and add visual appeal.
08 - Present immediately alongside assorted crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Tangy feta and sweet cranberries create a delicious contrast
  • Crunchy nuts and fresh herbs add great texture and flavor
02 -
  • Substitute goat cheese for feta if desired
  • For a vegan version, use vegan feta and maple syrup instead of honey
03 -
  • Chop herbs finely for even flavor distribution
  • Make the salad early so flavors meld before serving
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