In Crete, the pomegranate has always symbolised good fortune and abundance and every festive table embraces its ruby-red colour as a wish for a bright year ahead. 

At Creta Maris, this symbolism carries even deeper meaning. It is a gentle tribute to Mrs. Theano Metaxa, the wife of our founder, who filled our gardens with blooming pomegranate trees and turned nature into a daily blessing for all of us. Inspired by these gardens and by Mrs. Theano’s love for authentic Cretan living, our culinary team created a salad that brings freshness, colour, and festive spirit together. 

This Christmas, we invite you to prepare a dish that feels both comforting and celebratory.  It’s a simple recipe, full of flavour, tradition, and seasonal brightness. 

The Recipe 

Ingredients 

Greens 

• Green lettuce 
• Red lettuce 
• Romaine lettuce 
• 100g Rocket 
• Sliced carrot 

Fresh touches

• 50g Green apple 

• 50g Raisins 

• 20g Pomegranate 

Festive Raki & Honey Dressing 

• 20ml Raki 

• 50ml Balsamic vinegar 

• 38ml Honey 
• 20g Mustard
• 150ml Olive oil 

• Salt & Pepper 

Preparation 

Prepare the dressing: Mix all ingredients together and slowly add the olive oil while whisking, until the dressing becomes smooth and glossy. 

Build your salad: Combine all greens, fresh herbs, apple, raisins, and pomegranate. 

Final step: Mix it all together, ensuring every leaf is lightly coated in the festive rakic–honey dressing. 

As the pomegranate gently opens, it carries our warmest message of renewal and joy.  

Merry Christmas from all of us at Creta Maris.