🎄🥗 Christmas Salad – Festive, Fresh, and Full of Flavor!
🍴 Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 5 oz mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ½ cup sliced apples or pears (thinly sliced)
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- ⅓ cup candied pecans or walnuts
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🛠️ Preparation:
1. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper.
- Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
2. Assemble the Salad:
- On a large platter or salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens.
- Top with pomegranate seeds, apple or pear slices, dried cranberries, crumbled feta or goat cheese, and candied pecans or walnuts.
3. Dress and Serve:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly, or serve the dressing on the side for guests to add themselves.
📖 Description:
This Christmas Salad is the ultimate festive side dish! Bursting with vibrant reds and greens, it’s refreshing, slightly sweet, tangy, and full of different textures. The creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, juicy pomegranate, and crisp apples make it a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for any holiday table.
📋 Notes:
- For extra flavor, toast the nuts lightly even if they’re already candied!
- Pears tend to brown quickly — if prepping ahead, toss them in a little lemon juice.
- You can swap feta with goat cheese or even blue cheese for a stronger flavor.
- This salad is easy to double or triple for bigger gatherings.
💡 Tips:
- Prep ahead: Slice fruits and prep dressing a few hours ahead. Assemble the salad just before serving.
- Add protein: Turn it into a light meal by adding grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas.
- Play with color: Use a mix of green and red apples for even more Christmas vibes!
- Vegan version: Use a dairy-free cheese substitute and maple syrup instead of honey.
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves about 4–6 people as a side dish.
🥗 Nutritional Info (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbs: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 15 g
(These values will vary based on your exact toppings and cheese choice.)
🌟 Benefits:
- High in antioxidants from pomegranate seeds and cranberries.
- Rich in fiber to support digestion.
- Good source of healthy fats from olive oil and nuts.
- Naturally colorful and nutrient-dense — no artificial ingredients!
❓ Q/A:
Q: Can I make this salad the day before?
A: You can prep all ingredients separately, but assemble and dress it just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Q: What’s a good alternative to candied nuts?
A: Roasted, salted nuts work great if you prefer less sweetness.
Q: Can I use a different dressing?
A: Absolutely! A poppy seed dressing or a light citrus vinaigrette would also taste amazing.
Q: How can I keep apples from browning?
A: Toss apple slices in a little lemon juice or a splash of orange juice after slicing.
Q: Is there a nut-free version?
A: Yes! Simply omit the nuts or replace them with pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds.
💬 ✅ Love festive and easy recipes? Leave a comment or a ❤️ so I can keep sharing more holiday favorites with you!
◼️Thank you!◼️ 🥰🎄✨
Would you also like me to suggest a Holiday Salad Bar setup idea if you’re hosting a bigger group? 🎅🥗🍏