Harbor Holiday Salad with Candied Pecans

When the holidays arrive in New England, the table naturally shifts into a beautiful blend of cozy flavors and fresh, seasonal brightness. This Harbor Holiday Salad brings all of that together—warming roasted delicata squash, sparkling pomegranate seeds, crunchy maple-candied pecans, and creamy feta or goat cheese. Every bite is lifted by the sweet-savory balance of Nan’s Harbor Maple Dijon Vinaigrette, made with organic maple syrup and organic Dijon mustard.

It’s simple enough for weeknights yet stunning enough for your holiday table. And because it celebrates real seasonal produce, it fits beautifully into Nan’s tradition of cooking with what’s fresh, local, and full of flavor.

Why This Salad Shines on a Holiday Table

This dish is the perfect expression of our Coastal to Cozy holiday theme—rooted in New England’s shoreline simplicity but wrapped in the warm flavors of the season.

• Delicata squash brings soft sweetness and golden, caramelized edges.
• Pomegranate seeds offer brightness and a pop of color reminiscent of winter berries.
• Maple-candied pecans add crunch with a festive twist.
• Feta or goat cheese gives creamy saltiness to balance it all.
• Harbor Maple Dijon Vinaigrette ties the entire plate together with a silky finish of maple, Dijon, and organic olive oil.

It’s a salad that feels special, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

• Mixed greens
• 1 delicata squash, sliced into half-moons
• Olive oil, salt, pepper
• Pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup pecans
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or sugar
• Feta or goat cheese
• Nan’s Harbor Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

Instructions

1. Roast the squash: Toss the delicata slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, until golden and tender.
2. Candy the pecans:
   Warm the pecans with maple syrup or sugar in a small pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring until glossy and coated. Transfer to parchment paper to cool and harden.
3. Assemble the greens:
   Place mixed greens in a large bowl or on a serving platter.
4. Build the salad:
   Top with roasted delicata squash, pomegranate seeds, and candied pecans. 
5. Add your cheese:
   Scatter crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top.
6. Finish with Harbor Maple Dijon:
   Drizzle generously with Nan’s Harbor Maple Dijon Vinaigrette and gently toss before serving.

Serving Notes

This salad pairs beautifully with roast chicken, glazed salmon, holiday ham, or a cozy winter soup. It also holds up wonderfully for entertaining—just keep the vinaigrette off until right before serving.

It’s the kind of dish that makes the whole season feel a little brighter, a little cozier, and a little more special.

A bright, cozy coastal holiday moment in every bite.