Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, with ingredients like fresh greens, apples, and pomegranate seeds. The honey mustard dressing ties everything together with a delightful zing. It’s not only easy to prepare but also customizable, making it a versatile addition to any meal during the holiday season.
Ingredients
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
- 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
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Salad: Wash and dry the greens. Slice the apple and prepare the pomegranate and cranberries. Optionally, toast the nuts in a skillet for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the greens, apple slices, pomegranate, cranberries, toasted nuts, and feta. Toss gently.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or starter.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes (for toasting nuts)
- Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add pears, mandarins, or citrus for extra seasonal flavor.
- Make it vegan by omitting feta and using a plant-based honey substitute.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Storage tip: Assemble the salad without dressing if storing for later to keep the greens fresh.
Conclusion
This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is the perfect addition to your holiday table, offering a fresh, vibrant contrast to heavier holiday dishes. It’s easy to prepare, full of festive flavors, and customizable to your taste!
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Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a festive and vibrant dish perfect for your holiday table. Featuring a mix of greens, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, apples, and candied nuts, it’s drizzled with a tangy-sweet homemade honey mustard dressing. A beautiful, easy-to-make salad that’s both refreshing and full of seasonal flavors—ideal for family gatherings or holiday parties!
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: Wash and dry the greens. Slice the apple and prepare the pomegranate and cranberries. Optionally, toast the nuts in a skillet for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the greens, apple slices, pomegranate, cranberries, toasted nuts, and feta (if using). Toss gently.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or starter.
Notes
- Variations: Add pears, mandarins, or citrus for an extra burst of seasonal flavor.
- Vegan Option: Omit the feta and use a plant-based honey substitute.
- Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
