Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Add a burst of color and flavor to your holiday menu with this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing. Perfectly balanced with crisp greens, juicy pomegranate arils, creamy avocado, and crunchy candied nuts, it’s a show-stopping dish for any festive gathering. Topped with tangy honey mustard dressing, this salad is as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or attending a holiday potluck, this salad will bring elegance and flavor to your table.

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Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Festive and Vibrant: Brimming with seasonal ingredients like pomegranates and apples or pears.
• Customizable: Choose your preferred cheese, nuts, or fruit variations.
• Balanced Flavors: Sweetness from the honey, tang from the vinegar, and creaminess from the avocado make this salad irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: Prep and assembly take under 40 minutes, making it stress-free for busy holiday schedules.

Preparation Phase

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper: For roasting the candied nuts.
• Large Salad Bowl: Perfect for mixing and serving.
• Knife and Cutting Board: To prepare the fruits and avocado.
• Glass Jar with Lid: For shaking and emulsifying the dressing.
• Tongs or Salad Servers: To toss the salad without damaging delicate ingredients.

Each tool ensures that your preparation is seamless, helping you achieve the perfect balance of texture and presentation.

Preparation Tips

• Dry Your Greens: Pat the mixed greens and frisée dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
• Toast Nuts Carefully: Keep an eye on the nuts while roasting to avoid burning.
• Balance the Dressing: Adjust the sweetness or acidity of the dressing by tweaking the honey and vinegar ratio.

Ingredient List

For the Salad

• 1½ cups raw walnuts
• ½ cup shelled pumpkin seeds
• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 6 cups mixed greens
• 2 cups frisée lettuce
• 1-2 apples or pears, chopped
• 2 avocados, sliced
• 2 cups pomegranate arils
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese

For the Dressing

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fig preserves
• 2 teaspoons orange zest + 2 tablespoons orange juice
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chili flakes, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Candied Nuts

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, toss walnuts and pumpkin seeds with honey (or maple syrup), chipotle chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and toasted.
5. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with flaky salt, and let cool.

Tip: Use maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option or replace walnuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

2. Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens and frisée.
2. Layer the chopped apples (or pears) and sliced avocado evenly over the greens.
3. Sprinkle in the pomegranate arils and crumbled cheese.
4. Scatter the cooled candied nuts on top for crunch and sweetness.

Tip: For maximum freshness, add avocado slices just before serving.

3. Make the Dressing

1. In a glass jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), Dijon mustard, honey, fig preserves, orange zest, and orange juice.
2. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste.
3. Shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.

Variation: Replace balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a lighter tang or add a splash of lemon juice for extra zest.

4. Serve the Salad

1. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing generously over the salad just before serving.
2. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive flavors!

Tip: Reserve a small portion of the dressing for guests who prefer an extra drizzle.

Serving Suggestions

• How to Serve for Maximum Appeal
  • Serve the Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing immediately after tossing to maintain freshness and crispness.
  • Use a large, shallow serving platter to beautifully display the colorful layers: greens, fruits, nuts, and cheese.
• Tips for a Holiday Presentation
  • Garnish with extra pomegranate arils and a drizzle of dressing for a polished look.
  • Add a sprinkle of orange zest or a few whole candied nuts around the edges of the platter for a festive touch.
• When to Serve
  • As a starter for a formal dinner.
  • As a centerpiece dish for a casual buffet.
  • Perfectly paired with warm bread rolls or holiday beverages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid and How to Perfect the Recipe

• Mistake: Overdressing the Salad
  • Solution: Drizzle half the dressing initially, toss, then add more as needed. This ensures the salad isn’t soggy.
• Mistake: Adding Dressing Too Early
  • Solution: Assemble the salad, but wait to toss it with the dressing until just before serving.
• Mistake: Skipping Fresh Ingredients
  • Solution: Use ripe avocados, fresh greens, and in-season fruits like pomegranates or pears for the best flavor.
• Mistake: Burnt or Sticky Nuts
  • Solution: Monitor the nuts while baking and stir halfway to prevent burning. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Mistake: Unbalanced Flavors
  • Solution: Adjust the dressing by tasting before serving. Add a pinch of salt, honey, or vinegar to balance the sweetness and acidity.

Side Dish Recommendations

Complement this salad with a variety of festive dishes for a well-rounded meal:

1. Herb-Crusted Roast Turkey
   • The light and fresh salad complements the richness of turkey.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   • Creamy potatoes provide a comforting balance to the crisp and tangy salad.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
   • Adds a smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet pomegranate and honey mustard dressing.
4. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
   • Enhances the citrusy notes of the dressing with an additional burst of tartness.
5. Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
   • The sweet and earthy profile of the casserole mirrors the candied nuts and honey in the salad.
6. Parmesan and Garlic Dinner Rolls
   • Soft rolls are perfect for scooping up leftover salad dressing.
7. Mulled Wine or Sparkling Cider
   • These festive drinks elevate the holiday vibe and pair well with the citrusy and fruity salad elements.
8. Christmas Yule Log Dessert
   • The salad provides a light and refreshing contrast before indulging in a rich and chocolaty dessert.

Recipe Tips for Success

• Customizations and Substitutions:
  • For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup and skip the cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Use different nuts like pecans or almonds for the candied topping.
  • Substitute apples or pears with persimmons or dried cranberries for a seasonal twist.
• Seasonal Adaptations:
  • In the winter, use citrus fruits like orange slices for a refreshing burst.
  • In the fall, swap pomegranate arils with dried figs or apricots.
• Balance the Flavors:
  • Taste the dressing before serving. If it’s too tangy, add a bit more honey. If it’s too sweet, increase the Dijon mustard or vinegar.
• Perfect Nut Caramelization:
  • Ensure the nuts are evenly coated before baking. Stir halfway to avoid uneven browning or sticking.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storing the Salad:
  • Keep the components separate until serving to prevent wilting.
  • Store the greens, fruits, and cheese in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Candied Nuts:
  • Place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Dressing Storage:
  • The honey mustard dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.
• Reviving Leftovers:
  • If the salad has been dressed, consume within a few hours to maintain freshness.
  • For undressed salad components, reassemble and toss with fresh dressing before serving.

FAQs

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?
  • Yes! Prepare the nuts, chop the fruits, and mix the dressing in advance. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.
• What cheese works best in this salad?
  • Blue cheese provides boldness, goat cheese offers creaminess, and feta adds a mild, salty touch. Choose based on your preference.
• How can I make this recipe nut-free?
  • Replace the candied walnuts with additional pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
• Can I use a different type of dressing?
  • Absolutely! A vinaigrette or citrus-based dressing would also work well with the salad’s flavors.
• Is this salad gluten-free?
  • Yes, all the ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.
• What are some other fruits I can use?
  • Try fresh berries, figs, or even mandarin oranges for a unique twist.

Conclusion

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a vibrant, festive dish that embodies the flavors of the holiday season. Its blend of fresh greens, juicy fruits, and candied nuts, all tied together with a tangy-sweet dressing, makes it an irresistible addition to any holiday menu. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a holiday tradition that everyone will love.

Serve it alongside your favorite festive dishes or enjoy it as a light meal during the holidays. However you serve it, this salad will bring joy and deliciousness to your table!

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Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

This festive Christmas Salad combines fresh greens, juicy pomegranate arils, apples or pears, creamy avocado, and crunchy candied nuts, topped with crumbled blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese. Drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing, this salad is perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Servings: 8

Calories: 511kcal

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1½ cups raw walnuts
• ½ cup shelled pumpkin seeds
• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 6 cups mixed greens
• 2 cups frisée lettuce
• 1-2 apples or pears chopped
• 2 avocados sliced
• 2 cups pomegranate arils
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese feta, or goat cheese

For the Dressing:

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fig preserves
• 2 teaspoons orange zest + 2 tablespoons orange juice
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• Chili flakes to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Candied Nuts

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Toss the walnuts and pumpkin seeds with honey (or maple syrup), chipotle chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
• Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the nuts are golden and toasted.
• Remove from the oven and spread the nuts in a single layer. Sprinkle with flaky salt and set aside to cool.

Assemble the Salad

• In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens and frisée.
• Top with chopped apples (or pears), sliced avocado, pomegranate arils, and crumbled cheese.
• Sprinkle the cooled candied nuts over the salad.

Make the Dressing

• In a glass jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), Dijon mustard, honey, fig preserves, orange zest, and orange juice.
• Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste.
• Shake well until the dressing is emulsified.

Serve

• Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad. Gently toss to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Cheese Options: Blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese all work beautifully in this salad. Choose the one that suits your taste.
Make Ahead: The dressing, candied nuts, and salad ingredients can all be prepared in advance. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving.
Nut Substitution: For a nut-free version, replace walnuts with additional pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Fruit Variations: Swap apples or pears for persimmons or dried cranberries for a seasonal twist.