Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Why Make This Recipe

Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a festive and colorful dish that adds a refreshing touch to holiday meals. It combines sweet and tart flavors, making it a delightful addition to your table. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, this salad is not only delicious but also healthy. It is a great way to incorporate seasonal ingredients and bring a burst of color to your holiday celebrations.

How to Make Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

Prepare the Salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach or mixed greens, fresh pomegranate seeds, fresh cranberries, and thinly sliced apple.
2. Add the candied pecans or walnuts for a sweet crunch.
3. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and thinly sliced red onion on top.

Make the Honey Mustard Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
2. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Salad:

1. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad just before serving.
2. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

How to Serve Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Serve the Christmas Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. This salad is perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or as a light starter. The vibrant colors and flavors will impress your guests and complement any festive meal.

How to Store Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. This will keep the greens fresh and crisp. The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, while the dressing can last for about a week.

Tips to Make Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

1. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Look for firm apples and ripe pomegranates.
2. If using dried cranberries, consider soaking them in warm water for a few minutes to soften them.
3. Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste; add more honey for sweetness or more mustard for tanginess.

Variation

You can add grilled chicken or turkey to make this salad a complete meal. You could also substitute the nuts or cheese based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them and dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh.

What can I use instead of honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave syrup as a substitute for honey if you prefer a vegan option.

Is there a way to make this salad more filling?
Absolutely! Adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or sliced grilled chicken can make the salad more substantial and satisfying.