Pin It 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 quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings, loved for its festive presentation and fresh flavors.
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.
Pin It This recipe always brings a smile to the table and sparks joy during holiday celebrations with family.
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
Per serving: Calories 160, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 13 g, Protein 5 g
Pin It This cranberry and feta cheese tree dip salad is a festive crowd-pleaser that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What nuts work best in this salad?
Toasted pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture and complement the creamy feta and sweet cranberries well.
- → Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, substitute vegan feta and replace honey with maple syrup to maintain sweetness while keeping it plant-based.
- → How do you shape the salad into a tree?
Arrange the mixed greens on a large platter into a triangle shape. Then top with crumbled cheese and garnishes to mimic a decorated tree.
- → What dressing ingredients are used here?
The dressing combines extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for a balanced, zesty flavor.
- → Are there gluten-free serving options?
Yes, serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks to keep it gluten-free.