The Christmas season is all about vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and sharing joy with loved ones. A Christmas Salad is the perfect addition to your holiday table, offering a delightful combination of fresh, festive ingredients that not only taste amazing but also look stunning. This salad is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your preferences, making it a holiday favorite for years to come.
Ingredients
- Mixed salad greens: 4 cups (e.g., arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- Pomegranate seeds: 1/2 cup
- Dried cranberries: 1/4 cup
- Mandarin oranges: 2 peeled and segmented
- Candied pecans: 1/2 cup
- Goat cheese or feta cheese: 1/4 cup crumbled
- Red onion: 1/4 cup thinly sliced
- Balsamic vinaigrette: 1/3 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed salad greens, spreading them out evenly to create a bed for the other ingredients.
- Layer the toppings: Arrange the pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, mandarin orange segments, candied pecans, and crumbled goat cheese over the greens for a colorful presentation.
- Add the onion: Distribute the thinly sliced red onions across the salad.
- Drizzle with dressing: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Toss lightly if desired, or serve with the dressing on the side to allow guests to customize their portions.
- Serve immediately: Ensure the salad remains fresh and crisp by serving right after preparation.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the salad as a side dish for your Christmas dinner or pair it with a protein like grilled chicken or salmon for a lighter main course.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving for maximum freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the goat cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! Feta cheese, blue cheese, or even a mild cheddar can work well in this salad. Choose a cheese that complements the other flavors.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries can be quite tart. If you’d like to use them, consider lightly sweetening them by cooking with a bit of sugar or honey first.
3. Is there a nut-free option for this salad?
Yes, you can replace the candied pecans with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
4. What other dressings can I use instead of balsamic vinaigrette?
A honey-mustard dressing, citrus vinaigrette, or even a creamy poppy seed dressing would also complement this salad beautifully.
Enjoy the flavors and festive colors of this Christmas Salad at your next holiday gathering!
PrintChristmas Salad
A vibrant salad featuring mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, mandarin oranges, avocado, and candied walnuts, all brought together with a homemade honey mustard dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup candied walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, mandarin orange segments, avocado slices, and candied walnuts.
- If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing.
- Serve:
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Enjoy immediately as a refreshing side dish to your holiday meal.
Notes
- Candied Walnuts:Â To make your own, toast walnut halves in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of maple syrup and a pinch of cayenne pepper until caramelized and crunchy. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
- Variations:Â Feel free to substitute the mandarin oranges with sliced pears or apples, and the pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries for a different twist.