Juicy Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

This vibrant Christmas salad is a festive delight, combining toasted nuts, fresh greens, juicy fruits, creamy cheese, and a tangy honey mustard dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for holiday feasts or a refreshing, light main course. With a balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, it’s sure to become a holiday favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Ready: Perfectly colorful and festive for Christmas gatherings.
• Balanced Flavors: Sweet fruits, savory cheese, and zesty dressing create a harmonious dish.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
• Versatile: Serve as a side or light main for any holiday event.

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Preparation Phase

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking Sheet: For evenly toasting nuts and seeds.
• Parchment Paper: Keeps cleanup hassle-free.
• Mixing Bowls: Handy for combining ingredients like nuts and dressing.
• Glass Jar: Ideal for mixing and storing dressing.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For precise chopping of fruits and greens.
• Salad Spinner (optional): Ensures greens are crisp and dry.

Preparation Tips

• Fresh is Best: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Prevent Soggy Nuts: Let toasted nuts cool completely before adding to the salad.
• Slice Avocados Last: Prevent browning by slicing just before assembling the salad.
• Chill the Greens: Keep greens in the fridge for a cool, crisp base.

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Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1½ cups walnuts, raw and unsalted
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds, unshelled
• ⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup)
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 2 cups frisée leaves
• 1-2 apples or pears, diced (choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Bosc)
• 2 avocados, sliced
• 2 cups pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup crumbled cheese (choose blue, feta, or goat cheese for variety)

For the Honey Mustard Dressing

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic or apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fig jam (optional)
• 2 teaspoons orange zest + 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chili flakes, to taste

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Toast the Nuts and Seeds

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine walnuts, pumpkin seeds, honey (or maple syrup), chipotle powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the nuts are golden and fragrant.
5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with flaky salt. Let them cool completely.

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2. Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens and frisée.
2. Add diced apple or pear, sliced avocado, and pomegranate seeds.
3. Sprinkle the cooled nuts and crumbled cheese evenly over the salad.
4. Gently toss the ingredients to combine.

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3. Prepare the Honey Mustard Dressing

1. In a glass jar, combine olive oil, balsamic or apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, fig jam, orange zest, orange juice, salt, and chili flakes.
2. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well blended.

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4. Dress and Serve

1. Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.
2. Toss gently to ensure the dressing evenly coats all ingredients.
3. Serve immediately for a fresh and festive experience.

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Notes and Tips

• Make Ahead: Prepare the nuts and dressing in advance. Store nuts in an airtight container and dressing in the fridge.
• Prevent Browning: Soak apple or pear slices in a saltwater solution (1 tsp salt per 1 cup water) for 5 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
• Serving Tip: Serve within an hour of preparation to maintain peak freshness.

Serving Suggestions

1. Festive Presentation:
   • Arrange the salad on a large platter to showcase the vibrant colors.
   • Sprinkle extra pomegranate seeds and cheese on top for a decorative finish.
   • Serve with a drizzle of dressing on the side to let guests customize their portions.
2. Pairing Ideas:
   • Pair this salad with a warm soup for a balanced meal.
   • Serve alongside roasted meats or plant-based mains for a hearty holiday feast.
3. As a Light Main Course:
   • Add grilled chicken, seared salmon, or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
   • Include crusty bread or a grain like quinoa for a more filling dish.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid and How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Overdressing the Salad:
   • Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Toss gently and add dressing incrementally to maintain balance.
2. Skipping Toasting Nuts:
   • Toasting enhances the flavor and crunch. Avoid this step at your salad’s peril!
3. Preparing Too Early:
   • Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure the greens remain fresh and crisp.
4. Using Overripe Avocado:
   • Choose firm, slightly ripe avocados to avoid mushiness.
5. Inconsistent Cutting of Ingredients:
   • Dice fruits and slice avocados uniformly for an appealing presentation and balanced bite.
6. Ignoring Freshness:
   • Ensure all ingredients, especially greens and fruits, are fresh and vibrant for the best flavor and texture.

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Side Dish Recommendations

This Juicy Christmas Salad pairs beautifully with a range of holiday dishes. Here are 8 complementary side dishes to elevate your festive table:

1. Roasted Vegetables with Herbs
   • A medley of carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes adds warmth and depth.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   • Creamy and savory, they balance the salad’s sweetness and acidity.
3. Cranberry-Orange Relish
   • A tangy side that complements the salad’s citrus notes.
4. Wild Rice Pilaf
   • Nutty and earthy, this dish adds texture and a hearty element.
5. Herbed Focaccia Bread
   • Perfect for soaking up the honey mustard dressing.
6. Baked Brie with Honey and Pecans
   • A luxurious pairing that echoes the salad’s nuttiness and sweetness.
7. Glazed Ham or Turkey
   • A holiday classic that complements the salad’s fruity and zesty flavors.
8. Stuffed Acorn Squash
   • A vegetarian option filled with grains, nuts, and dried fruits, tying together festive elements.

Recipe Tips for the Juicy Christmas Salad

1. Customize the Dressing:
   • Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the honey.
   • Add more chili flakes for a spicy kick.
   • Swap fig jam for apricot preserves or omit it altogether for a simpler dressing.
2. Ingredient Substitutions:
   • Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
   • Swap pomegranate seeds for dried cranberries if unavailable.
   • For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese or omit the cheese entirely.
3. Enhance the Presentation:
   • Use a decorative salad bowl or platter for serving.
   • Garnish with extra orange zest or a sprinkle of flaky salt before serving.
4. Make It a Main Dish:
   • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing the Salad

• Prepared Salad: Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Nuts and Seeds: Keep toasted nuts and seeds in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Dressing: Store in a jar with a tight lid in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.

Reheating Tips

• For Nuts: If the nuts lose their crunch, re-toast them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
• Dressing: Allow the refrigerated dressing to come to room temperature or warm it slightly in a bowl of warm water.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the nuts and dressing in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.

2. What fruits work best for this salad?

Crisp and sweet fruits like apples, pears, or even persimmons work wonderfully. Avoid overly soft fruits to maintain texture.

3. Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Replace honey with maple syrup and use a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely.

4. What are some additional topping ideas?

You can add dried fruits like cranberries, candied ginger, or a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra texture.

5. How do I prevent the apples or pears from browning?

Soak them in a saltwater solution (1 tsp salt per cup of water) for 5 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before adding to the salad.

6. What’s the best way to transport this salad?

Keep the components separate. Pack the greens, toppings, nuts, and dressing in individual containers, then assemble and toss just before serving.

7. Can I use pre-packaged greens?

Yes, but rinse and dry them thoroughly even if they’re labeled as pre-washed.

8. What cheese works best?

Blue, feta, or goat cheese pairs well with the salad’s flavors. Choose based on your preference for sharpness or creaminess.

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Conclusion

This Juicy Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a festive masterpiece that brings color, flavor, and joy to your holiday table. The blend of fresh greens, juicy fruits, toasted nuts, and tangy dressing makes it a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both versatile and easy to prepare. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests.