Mediterranean Christmas Fruit & Cheese Salad

Ingredients

Salad

  • ½ cup celery, finely chopped

  • 1 cup red grapes, halved

  • 1 cup green grapes, halved

  • 1 cup strawberries, halved (optional)

  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds

  • 1–2 oranges, peeled and segmented

  • 1 cup apples, diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

  • 1 cup cheese cubes (Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella)

  • 4 cups chopped lettuce or mixed greens

  • Fresh dill, finely chopped (for garnish)

Mediterranean Citrus Dressing

  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Produce
    Wash and dry all fruits and greens thoroughly. Cut grapes, strawberries, apples, and oranges as listed.

  2. Assemble the Salad
    In a large bowl, add lettuce, celery, apples, grapes, strawberries (if using), pomegranate seeds, orange segments, and cheese cubes.

  3. Make the Dressing
    In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  4. Toss & Finish
    Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently. Garnish with fresh dill.


Serving Tips

  • Serve chilled for best flavor

  • Add toasted walnuts or almonds for crunch

  • For a lighter Mediterranean twist, swap cheese for crumbled feta

  • Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or baked fish


Make-Ahead Tip

Prep fruits and dressing separately up to 24 hours ahead. Toss together just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

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