The Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive and Colorful: The combination of red and green ingredients like pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and spinach makes it a perfect addition to your Christmas table.
  • Balance of Sweet and Savory: The honey mustard dressing brings a beautiful balance of sweetness and tanginess, enhancing the freshness of the salad’s ingredients.
  • Packed with Nutrients: With fresh greens, fruits, and nuts, this salad is not only delicious but also rich in vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats.
  • Quick and Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, this salad can be assembled in minutes, allowing you to focus on other holiday dishes.
  • Customizable: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
  • 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries)
  • 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (such as a Gala or Granny Smith)
  • ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Prepare the Salad:
    • Wash and dry the baby spinach or mixed greens thoroughly.
    • Thinly slice the apple, leaving the skin on for added color and nutrients.
    • If using fresh pomegranate seeds, carefully remove them from the pomegranate.
    • For fresh cranberries, you can leave them whole or slice them in half for a more subtle flavor.
    • Toast the candied pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool.
  2. Make the Honey Mustard Dressing:
    • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  3. Assemble the Salad:
    • In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach or mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, apple slices, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta cheese (if using). Toss gently to combine.
    • Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is evenly coated. Start with a little dressing and add more as needed to avoid overdressing.
  4. Serve:
    • Serve immediately as a refreshing and colorful side dish or starter.

Servings and Timing

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for toasting nuts, optional)
  • Servings: 6-8 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories

Variations

  1. Citrus Christmas Salad: Add slices of orange or grapefruit for a refreshing citrusy kick.
  2. Roasted Vegetables Salad: Toss in roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or carrots for a warm version of the salad.
  3. Pear and Blue Cheese Salad: Swap the apple for pear and the feta for blue cheese for a more savory, tangy twist.
  4. Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad: Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier, more flavorful salad.
  5. Avocado Salad: Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture and a rich, buttery flavor.
  6. Quinoa Salad: Add cooked quinoa to the salad for extra protein and texture.
  7. Bacon Christmas Salad: Crispy turkey bacon or regular bacon can be crumbled into the salad for added savory flavor.
  8. Cranberry Pecan Salad: Use dried cranberries and toasted pecans for a simple, but flavorful variation.
  9. Warm Christmas Salad: Serve the salad with warm grilled chicken or shrimp on top for a heartier meal.
  10. Roasted Almond Salad: Add roasted almonds for a crunchy, nutty flavor that pairs well with the honey mustard dressing.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
  • Reheating: This salad is best served fresh and cold. If you’ve added warm proteins like grilled chicken, store them separately and reheat them gently before adding to the salad.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Store the salad ingredients and dressing separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.

2. What can I use as a substitute for feta cheese?

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The Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a festive blend of fresh greens, juicy pomegranate seeds, tart cranberries, and crunchy candied pecans. Topped with a tangy homemade honey mustard dressing, it’s the perfect refreshing side dish to brighten your holiday table. Quick, customizable, and packed with nutrients!

 

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
  • 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
  • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
  • 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (e.g., Gala or Granny Smith)
  • ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Salad:
    • Wash and dry the greens thoroughly.
    • Thinly slice the apple, leaving the skin on for added nutrients and color.
    • Remove pomegranate seeds carefully if using fresh fruit.
    • If using fresh cranberries, slice them in half for a milder flavor.
    • Toast candied nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, then let cool.
  • Make the Dressing:
    • In a bowl or jar, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Assemble the Salad:
    • In a large salad bowl, combine greens, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, apple slices, nuts, and crumbled feta (if using).
    • Drizzle with honey mustard dressing and toss gently to coat. Add dressing gradually to avoid overdressing.
  • Serve:
    • Serve immediately as a colorful, refreshing side dish or starter.

Notes

  • Customizations: Add citrus slices, roasted vegetables, or cooked quinoa for variety.
  • Storage: Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, storing dressing separately.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare all components ahead of time and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional for toasting nuts)
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Tossed
  • Cuisine: American, Holiday

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