Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a vibrant and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. Bursting with fresh greens, juicy pomegranate arils, and creamy avocado, it’s perfect for festive gatherings or family dinners. The crunchy candied nuts and the sweet-tangy honey mustard dressing elevate this salad, making it a standout dish on any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavors: The combination of sweet fruits, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts creates a delightful flavor experience.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this Christmas salad comes together quickly.
• Versatile Options: You can customize the cheese and fruits based on your preferences, making it suitable for everyone.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance for a stress-free experience when serving.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and healthy fats, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing efficiently, having the right tools is key. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Glass jar or container for dressing
• Salad serving bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting nuts evenly without burning them.
• Glass jar: Ideal for shaking up your dressing to achieve a smooth blend.

Ingredients

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.

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Candied Nuts

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

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl:
1. Add mixed greens and frisée lettuce as your base.
2. Top with chopped apples (or pears), sliced avocado, pomegranate arils, and crumbled cheese.
3. Sprinkle cooled candied nuts over the top.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a glass jar:
1. 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 well until dressing is emulsified.

Step 4: Serve

Just before serving:
1. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad.
2. Gently toss all ingredients together to combine.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

This festive salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful blend of flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing experience.

As a Main Dish

• Pair it with grilled chicken or salmon for a satisfying meal.
• Add quinoa or farro for extra protein and texture.

As a Side Dish

• Serve alongside your holiday roast to complement the rich flavors of meats.
• It can be a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes like stuffing and mashed potatoes.

In Individual Portions

• Present in small mason jars for an elegant touch at holiday gatherings.
• Use festive bowls to create an inviting buffet-style display.

With Additional Toppings

• Offer extra toppings such as crispy bacon bits or roasted chickpeas for added crunch.
• Provide a selection of cheeses so guests can customize their salads.

How to Perfect Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

To ensure your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing shines, consider these handy tips for perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Select the freshest greens and fruits for vibrant flavor and texture.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing and candied nuts in advance for easy assembly on the day of serving.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasoning before drizzling the dressing over the salad.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad ingredients before assembly for a refreshing bite.
• Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses based on personal preference or dietary needs.
• Add Seasonal Fruits: Incorporate seasonal fruits like persimmons or cranberries for a festive twist.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Completing your meal with complementary side dishes enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some fantastic side options that pair wonderfully with your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, these sprouts add a nutty flavor to your meal.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side dish.
3. Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory, these carrots bring brightness to your holiday table.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with cheese and herbs, they offer an irresistible appetizer option.
5. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy-sweet addition that complements both salad and main courses alike.
6. Cheesy Breadsticks: Warm, cheesy breadsticks are perfect for dipping into any leftover dressing!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the overall taste and presentation.

• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
• Using unripe avocados: Unripe avocados can ruin the texture of your salad. Choose ripe avocados for a creamy consistency.
• Neglecting to season: A lack of seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Always season your dressing and salad with salt and pepper to enhance taste.
• Forgetting to cool the nuts: If you add warm candied nuts, they may wilt the greens. Allow them to cool completely before adding them to the salad.
• Cutting fruits too early: Sliced apples or pears can brown quickly. Cut them just before serving for a fresh look.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
• It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it’s best eaten fresh.

Freezing Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the ingredients’ textures.
• Instead, prepare components separately if you want to store them.

Reheating Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

• Oven: Place the salad in an oven-safe dish and warm it at a low temperature (around 200°F) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Microwave on low power in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all components in advance. Assemble and dress just before serving for freshness.

What cheese options are best for this salad?

You can use blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese based on your preference. Each adds unique flavors.

How do I customize my Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing?

Feel free to swap fruits like apples or pears with persimmons or cranberries. You can also change up the nuts or cheeses.

Is there a nut-free version of this salad?

Absolutely! Substitute walnuts with additional pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients according to your taste preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys every bite. Give it a try at your next festive occasion!

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Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

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• Author: Leslie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a vibrant and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. Featuring a delightful mix of fresh greens, juicy pomegranate arils, creamy avocado, and crunchy candied nuts, it’s perfect for festive gatherings. Topped with a sweet-tangy honey mustard dressing, this salad not only adds color to your table but also bursts with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or looking for a healthy side dish, this recipe offers an easy-to-make option that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 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
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 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. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through until golden brown. Remove from oven; spread nuts in a single layer. Sprinkle with flaky salt and set aside to cool.
3. In a large salad bowl, add mixed greens and frisée lettuce as your base. Top with chopped apples (or pears), sliced avocado, pomegranate arils, and crumbled cheese. Sprinkle cooled candied nuts over the top.
4. 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 dressing is emulsified.
5. Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad. Gently toss all ingredients together to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Customize the cheese based on your preference; try adding seasonal fruits like cranberries for extra flavor. Prepare components ahead of time for stress-free assembly at mealtime.