Winter Greens Citrus Pomegranate

Featured in: Fresh Healthy

This vibrant dish features a mix of winter greens including baby kale, arugula, and radicchio, paired with juicy citrus segments from orange and grapefruit. Ruby pomegranate seeds add bursts of sweetness, while toasted mixed nuts contribute a satisfying crunch. A balanced dressing of olive oil, lemon and orange juices, Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey brings all flavors together. Optional crumbled feta and fresh herbs provide a layered finish, perfect for brightening cooler days.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:36:00 GMT
Winter Greens Salad with Citrus, boasting bright citrus segments and ruby pomegranate seeds. Pin
Winter Greens Salad with Citrus, boasting bright citrus segments and ruby pomegranate seeds. | panpatriot.com

A vibrant, refreshing salad featuring hearty winter greens, juicy citrus, ruby pomegranate seeds, and crunchy toasted nuts, perfect for brightening cooler days.

I first made this winter greens salad on a chilly afternoon when I wanted something fresh but satisfying. The combination of tangy citrus, crunchy nuts and hearty greens instantly lifted everyone's mood around the table.

Ingredients

  • Baby kale: 100 g
  • Arugula (rocket): 100 g
  • Radicchio: 50 g, thinly sliced
  • Orange: 1 large, peeled and segmented
  • Grapefruit: 1 large, peeled and segmented
  • Pomegranate seeds: 100 g (about 1 small pomegranate)
  • Mixed nuts: 60 g (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tbsp
  • Fresh lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  • Fresh orange juice: 1 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1 tsp
  • Sea salt: 1/4 tsp
  • Freshly ground black pepper: To taste
  • Crumbled feta cheese: 30 g (optional)
  • Fresh herbs (mint or parsley): Chopped, optional

Instructions

Toast the nuts:
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add mixed nuts and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool, then roughly chop.
Prepare the citrus:
Using a sharp knife, cut away the peel and pith from the orange and grapefruit. Segment the fruit and remove any seeds.
Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, combine baby kale, arugula, and radicchio. Add citrus segments and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine.
Finish:
Top the salad with toasted nuts and, if desired, crumbled feta and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Vibrant Winter Greens Salad with toasty nuts and fresh citrus is perfect for a light lunch. Pin
Vibrant Winter Greens Salad with toasty nuts and fresh citrus is perfect for a light lunch. | panpatriot.com

This salad has become my go-to for family holiday dinners when everyone craves something refreshing alongside our classic mains. Even skeptical eaters are always surprised by how much they love it.

Required Tools

You'll need a sharp knife, cutting board, large salad bowl, small mixing bowl, whisk and a skillet for toasting nuts.

Allergen Information

This salad contains nuts and dairy (optional feta). For nut or dairy allergies, omit or substitute ingredients as needed and always check labels.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 260 calories, 17 g total fat, 24 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.

A refreshing close-up of Winter Greens Salad with creamy optional feta cheese and citrus. Pin
A refreshing close-up of Winter Greens Salad with creamy optional feta cheese and citrus. | panpatriot.com

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra pop of color and flavor. Enjoy this salad as a vibrant side or a light lunch all season long.

Recipe Questions

What greens are included in this salad?

Baby kale, arugula, and thinly sliced radicchio form the core mix of winter greens in this dish.

How are the nuts prepared?

Mixed nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds are toasted in a dry skillet until fragrant and lightly golden, then roughly chopped for added texture.

What citrus fruits are used?

Large peeled and segmented orange and grapefruit provide bright, juicy citrus flavors.

Can the feta cheese be substituted or omitted?

Yes, for a dairy-free or vegan option, omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

What dressing ingredients are used?

The dressing combines extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon and orange juices, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper.

Are there any common allergens in this dish?

This dish contains nuts and optional dairy from feta. Adjust or omit ingredients if allergies are a concern.

Winter Greens Citrus Pomegranate

Hearty winter greens combined with citrus, pomegranate, and toasted nuts create a vibrant dish.

Prep duration
20 min
Cooking duration
5 min
Total duration
25 min

Category Fresh Healthy

Difficulty Easy

Origin Contemporary

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Ingredients

Greens

01 3.5 oz baby kale
02 3.5 oz arugula
03 1.75 oz radicchio, thinly sliced

Citrus

01 1 large orange, peeled and segmented
02 1 large grapefruit, peeled and segmented

Fruit

01 3.5 oz pomegranate seeds

Nuts

01 2.1 oz mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Dressing

01 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
02 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
03 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
04 1 tsp Dijon mustard
05 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
06 1/4 tsp sea salt
07 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

01 1 oz crumbled feta cheese
02 Fresh herbs (mint or parsley), chopped

Directions

Step 01

Toast the nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add mixed nuts and toast for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool, then roughly chop.

Step 02

Prepare the citrus: Use a sharp knife to cut away the peel and pith from the orange and grapefruit. Segment the fruit, removing any seeds.

Step 03

Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.

Step 04

Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine baby kale, arugula, and radicchio. Add citrus segments and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine.

Step 05

Finish and serve: Top the salad with toasted nuts and, if desired, crumbled feta and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Necessary tools

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large salad bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Skillet for toasting nuts

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain.
  • Contains nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) and dairy (feta cheese, optional).
  • Omit or substitute to accommodate nut or dairy allergies.

Nutrition facts (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 260
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Protein: 5 g