Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
There’s something undeniably magical about the holidays, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the scent of pine and spices wafting through the air, and the hustle and bustle of family gatherings. One of my favorite holiday memories involves sitting around the table, a colorful spread of dishes in front of us, sharing stories and laughter, while the warmth of love enveloped us all. In the midst of it all, a vibrant salad always made an appearance — a kaleidoscope of colors that was both inviting and nourishing. This Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is inspired by those cheerful gatherings. It’s bright, fresh, and oh-so-cozy, perfect for adding a jolt of festive joy to your holiday table.
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in minutes, making it the perfect side dish for those busy holiday moments.
- No-Bake Delight: Forget the oven; this salad requires absolutely no cooking, just assembly — making it a fantastic fuss-free choice.
- Festively Colorful: Bursting with red cranberries, vibrant pomegranate seeds, and crisp apple slices, it’s a feast for the eyes.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The honey mustard dressing brings together a lovely balance of sweet and tangy that everyone will adore.
- Health-Conscious Option: This salad is packed with nutrients, making it a light yet satisfying meal or side that balances out richer holiday dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
- 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
How to Make Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby spinach or mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, apple slices, candied pecans or walnuts, and red onion if using. Toss gently to mix the ingredients while preserving the delicate greens.
Make the Honey Mustard Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using a jar, shake it well until the ingredients are fully emulsified — a beautiful golden dressing that’ll make your taste buds sing!
Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy, tangy finish.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add Protein: Toss in some sliced grilled chicken or turkey for a heartier meal. The flavors meld beautifully with the Honey Mustard Dressing.
- Cheesy Goodness: If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or a sharp cheddar for a creamy and tangy kick.
- Nutty Alternatives: Swap in slivered almonds or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch that’s slightly different from the pecans or walnuts.
- Zesty Citrus: Add some orange or grapefruit segments for a refreshing, zesty pop that complements the sweetness of the salad beautifully.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use whichever greens are in season or your favorites. Arugula adds a peppery bite, while kale offers sturdy texture.
- Slicing Tricks: To make slicing apples easier, consider using a mandolin slicer for perfectly thin pieces that add visual appeal to your salad.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but consume them soon for the best freshness and crispness.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Carbs: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 13g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prep the salad ingredients and store them in the fridge. Add the dressing just before serving.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any of the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available.
How do I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note that the greens may become wilted over time.
How long does it last?
While the salad will keep for up to 2 days, for optimal freshness, enjoy it the day after it’s made.
A Cozy Closing Note
This Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing isn’t just a side dish; it’s a vibrant addition to your festive table that encapsulates the beauty of the season. It reminds us to gather, share, and savor the flavors of togetherness. Save this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing to your holiday board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Wishing you all warmth and joy this holiday season!
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Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant salad with baby spinach, pomegranate seeds, and a sweet-tangy honey mustard dressing, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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
- 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
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby spinach or mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, apple slices, candied pecans or walnuts, and red onion if using. Toss gently to mix.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle feta cheese on top if desired.
Notes
Dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh. Feel free to substitute greens based on preference or availability.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: holiday salad, Christmas recipes, festive salad, healthy salad, no-cook salad