Mediterranean Pear, Sweet Potato, Apple, Chickpea and Cranberry Christmas Salad with Mint Yogurt Dressing
Mediterranean Pear, Sweet Potato, Apple, Chickpea and Cranberry Christmas Salad is a festive, colorful dish designed for holiday tables but simple enough to enjoy all winter. It brings together roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, juicy pears, and protein-rich chickpeas, balanced with tart dried cranberries and fresh herbs. The flavors are warm, bright, and gently sweet, with roasted vegetables providing depth and fruit adding freshness. A cool mint yogurt dressing ties everything together, offering creaminess without heaviness. This salad works beautifully as a vegetarian main, a holiday side, or a refreshing contrast to richer Christmas dishes. It reflects Mediterranean cooking at its best: seasonal ingredients, balance, and natural flavors layered with care.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Salad Base
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 can (1½ cups) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh Fruits and Add-ins
1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
1 crisp apple, thinly sliced
⅓ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup toasted walnuts or almonds (optional)
Greens and Herbs
3 cups mixed salad greens or baby spinach
2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
Mint Yogurt Dressing
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
11 small garlic clove, grated
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Toss sweet potato cubes and chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread evenly on the tray and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once, until tender and lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
While roasting, prepare the mint yogurt dressing by whisking yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Stir in chopped mint and refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.
Thinly slice the pear and apple just before assembling the salad to keep them fresh.
In a large bowl, add salad greens, roasted sweet potatoes, and chickpeas.
Gently fold in pear slices, apple slices, cranberries, and nuts if using.
Drizzle with mint yogurt dressing just before serving and toss lightly to coat.
Tips
Roast sweet potatoes until lightly caramelized for the best flavor.
Pat chickpeas dry before roasting to help them crisp slightly.
Slice fruit just before serving to prevent browning.
Use firm pears so they hold their shape in the salad.
Chill the dressing briefly to enhance freshness.
Toss gently to avoid breaking the fruit slices.
Taste and adjust lemon or honey in the dressing as needed.
Serve the salad slightly warm or fully chilled.
Add nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Use fresh mint for the cleanest flavor.
Variations
Vegan Version: Use plant-based yogurt and maple syrup.
Pomegranate Twist: Replace cranberries with pomegranate seeds.
Citrus Boost: Add orange segments for brightness.
Grain Addition: Add cooked quinoa or farro for extra heartiness.
Cheese Option: Crumble feta or goat cheese over the top.
Spiced Sweet Potatoes: Add cinnamon or cumin before roasting.
Winter Greens Swap: Use arugula or kale instead of spinach.
Nut-Free Option: Skip nuts or replace with toasted seeds.
Extra Protein: Add grilled halloumi or roasted tofu.
Herb Variation: Mix mint with parsley or dill.
Q&A
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, roast vegetables and prepare dressing a day ahead.
When should I add the fruit?
Add fruit just before serving for best texture.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
Either works well, depending on preference.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh roasted sweet potatoes are recommended.
Is the dressing very garlicky?
No, it is mild and balanced by yogurt and mint.
Can I skip the yogurt dressing?
Yes, a lemon-olive oil dressing also works.
Is this suitable for Christmas dinner?
Yes, it pairs well with rich holiday dishes.
How long do leftovers last?
Up to 2 days refrigerated without dressing.
Can kids enjoy this salad?
Yes, the sweetness makes it appealing to kids.
What dishes pair well with it?
Roast chicken, fish, or vegetarian mains.
Nutrition
(Approximate per Serving)
Calories: 310
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 14g
Conclusion
Mediterranean Pear, Sweet Potato, Apple, Chickpea and Cranberry Christmas Salad with Mint Yogurt Dressing is a festive dish that feels fresh, nourishing, and celebratory. The contrast of warm roasted vegetables with crisp fruit and cool dressing makes every bite interesting and balanced. It is easy to prepare, flexible for different diets, and visually stunning on a holiday table. Whether served as a main or a side, this salad brings color, texture, and Mediterranean-inspired harmony to Christmas meals and beyond.