What ingredients do I need to make a traditional Christmas salad?

A classic Christmas salad typically includes mixed greens, small citrus fruits like tangerines or clementines, feta cheese, candied pecans, and pomegranate seeds. For the dressing, combine olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. This combination creates a fresh, sweet, and tangy flavor perfect for the holiday season.

How do I prepare the dressing for Christmas salad?

To prepare the dressing, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the sweetness or acidity to your taste. Drizzle over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.

Can I make Christmas salad ahead of time?

It's best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent them from becoming soggy. However, you can prepare ingredients like candied pecans and dressing in advance and store them separately. Keep citrus peeled and pomegranate seeds ready too, then combine everything right before mealtime.

What are some healthy variations of Christmas salad?

To make a healthier version, swap feta cheese for goat cheese or omit cheese altogether to reduce fat content. Use unsweetened nuts instead of candied pecans or lightly toast them yourself with a small amount of honey. Add extra fresh vegetables such as shredded carrots or sliced radishes for added nutrients and crunch.

How can I include Christmas salad in a holiday meal plan?

Christmas salad works well as a light starter or a side dish alongside turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables. Because it balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, it complements rich holiday mains. Consider serving it in individual bowls or on a large platter for easy sharing at holiday gatherings.

Christmas Salad Recipes With Fresh Flavors To Try Today

Name: Christmas Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 7 cups mixed spring greens for a fresh, crunchy base; – 1 1/4 cups orange segments (such as mandarin oranges, clementines, or tangerines) adding natural sweetness and vibrant color; – 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries) for a juicy burst and antioxidant boost; – 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese providing a creamy, salty contrast; – 1/2 cup roughly chopped candied pecans for crunch and healthy fats; – 1/3 cup olive oil the base for the dressing to tie everything together; – 1 tablespoon honey for a touch of sweetness in the dressing; – 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard to add tangy depth; – 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for acidity and flavor balance; – 1 tablespoon minced shallot for a subtle onion note; – Salt and pepper to taste to enhance the overall taste

Description

🎄 This Christmas Salad brings a festive touch to your holiday table with fresh, vibrant ingredients and balanced flavors.
🥗 It’s a light and nutritious option rich in vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats, perfect for complementing heavier holiday dishes.

Ingredients

– 7 cups mixed spring greens for a fresh, crunchy base

– 1 1/4 cups orange segments (such as mandarin oranges, clementines, or tangerines) adding natural sweetness and vibrant color

– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries) for a juicy burst and antioxidant boost

– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese providing a creamy, salty contrast

– 1/2 cup roughly chopped candied pecans for crunch and healthy fats

– 1/3 cup olive oil the base for the dressing to tie everything together

– 1 tablespoon honey for a touch of sweetness in the dressing

– 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard to add tangy depth

– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for acidity and flavor balance

– 1 tablespoon minced shallot for a subtle onion note

– Salt and pepper to taste to enhance the overall taste

Instructions

1-First, gather all the ingredients in a large bowl: start with the 7 cups of mixed spring greens as your base.

2-Next, add the 1 1/4 cups of orange segments, 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/2 cup of roughly chopped candied pecans for that perfect mix.

3-For the dressing, whisk together 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced shallot, and salt and pepper to taste in a separate small bowl.

4-Once the dressing is ready, drizzle it over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.

5-Gently toss the mixture to ensure everything is evenly coated, which only takes an additional minute.

6-Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch and flavors at their best.

7-For variations, like making it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative, as I often do for my vegetarian friends.

Notes

🍊 Use fresh citrus segments and remove any seeds for the best taste and presentation.
🥄 Whisk the dressing well to ensure a smooth emulsion.
🌰 Customize the salad by swapping in your favorite nuts, fruits, or cheeses to suit your taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220

Keywords: Christmas salad, festive salad, holiday salad, fresh ingredients