Winter Greens with Citrus Pomegranate

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Plates

This bright winter greens dish combines baby kale, arugula, and radicchio with juicy citrus segments and ruby pomegranate seeds. Toasted mixed nuts add a satisfying crunch, while the dressing blends olive oil, fresh citrus juices, Dijon mustard, honey, and seasonings to tie the flavors together. Optional crumbled feta and fresh herbs bring added depth, making this salad a refreshing, nutrient-packed choice perfect for cooler days.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:28:00 GMT
Winter Greens Salad with Citrus, Pomegranate, and toasted nuts, a colorful, refreshing, vegetarian lunchtime delight! Save to Pinterest
Winter Greens Salad with Citrus, Pomegranate, and toasted nuts, a colorful, refreshing, vegetarian lunchtime delight! | velvetthyme.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 when searching for something fresh to serve alongside a rich dinner, and loved how the bright citrus wakens up the earthy greens. Every time I toss this salad, it reminds me of cheerful holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Greens: 100 g baby kale, 100 g arugula (rocket), 50 g radicchio thinly sliced
  • Citrus: 1 large orange peeled and segmented, 1 large grapefruit peeled and segmented
  • Fruit: 100 g pomegranate seeds (about 1 small pomegranate)
  • Nuts: 60 g mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • Dressing: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, 1/4 tsp sea salt, freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Garnish (optional): 30 g crumbled feta cheese, fresh herbs (mint or parsley) chopped

Instructions

Toast the nuts:
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add mixed nuts and toast for 3&ndash5 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 removing 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 Citrus, boasting bright citrus segments, ruby pomegranate, and crunchy, toasted nuts. Save to Pinterest
Vibrant Winter Greens Salad with Citrus, boasting bright citrus segments, ruby pomegranate, and crunchy, toasted nuts. | velvetthyme.com

This salad is always on our table for family brunches, and I've watched the kids reach for seconds just for the pomegranate crunch. We love adding a sprinkle of herbs when gathering for cozy weekend lunches.

Required Tools

Sharp knife, cutting board, large salad bowl, small mixing bowl, whisk, and skillet are needed to prepare and toast ingredients easily.

Allergen Information

Contains nuts and dairy (feta optional). For nut or dairy allergies, simply omit or substitute with safe alternatives and always check labels.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 260, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 5 g

A close-up of a delightful Winter Greens Salad with Citrus, ready to enjoy with a tangy citrus dressing. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a delightful Winter Greens Salad with Citrus, ready to enjoy with a tangy citrus dressing. | velvetthyme.com

Serve this salad immediately for the freshest flavor and best crunch. Its vibrant colors make it a perfect centerpiece for a winter meal.

Recipe FAQs

What type of nuts are best for toasting in this salad?

Mixed nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds work well. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor and crunch.

Can other greens be substituted for baby kale and arugula?

Yes, alternatives like endive or spinach can be used depending on taste and availability.

How is the citrus prepared for this dish?

Peel and segment large orange and grapefruit, removing any seeds and pith to retain tender, juicy pieces.

Is it possible to make the dressing vegan-friendly?

Absolutely, replace honey with maple syrup to keep the dressing plant-based and maintain a balanced sweetness.

What optional toppings enhance the salad’s flavor?

Crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs like mint or parsley add creaminess and herbal notes when desired.

Winter Greens with Citrus Pomegranate

Fresh winter greens combined with citrus segments, pomegranate seeds, and crunchy toasted nuts for a bright dish.

Prep time
20 min
Time for cooking
5 min
Total process time
25 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Everyday Cozy Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Contemporary

Yield amount 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Vegetarian-friendly, Free from gluten

List of 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 (about 1 small pomegranate)

Nuts

01 2 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

How to make it

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: Using a sharp knife, 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.

Essential tools

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

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) and dairy (feta, optional).
  • For nut or dairy allergies, omit or substitute with safe alternatives.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 260
  • Fat content: 17 g
  • Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein amount: 5 g