Tasty Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
The holidays are such a magical time, filled with warmth, laughter, and, of course, delicious food that cozies up our hearts! One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother arranging colorful salads on her dining room table as we gathered around for holiday feasts. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors always managed to bring a sparkle to our eyes, making the gatherings even more special.
This Tasty Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing captures that same joyful spirit, bringing crunchy mixed greens, tangy cherry tomatoes, and a delightful drizzle of homemade dressing to your seasonal table. It’s easy to whip up and will surely become a staple for your upcoming parties and family dinners. Perfect for anyone looking for a light, festive dish that will impress guests, this salad embodies everything we love about holiday cooking. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive & Colorful: The beautiful mix of greens and reds makes this salad a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
- Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, you can have this salad ready in no time—perfect for last-minute dinner preparations.
- Fresh & Zesty: The honey mustard dressing adds a sweet and tangy kick that perfectly complements the fresh veggies.
- No Cooking Required: Just toss and serve! This makes it a fantastic no-bake option for your holiday spread.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to include your favorite seasonal toppings or ingredients, ensuring it fits every palate.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
For this Tasty Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing, you will need:
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup croutons
For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Make It Together
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and croutons. Feel the excitement as the vibrant colors of your ingredients come to life!
In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. The sweet aroma of honey mingling with the tang of mustard is simply irresistible.
Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Watch as the dressing lovingly coats each piece, making it glisten.
Serve immediately and enjoy the festive crunch! This salad is sure to brighten up your holiday table and fill every heart with joy.
Delicious Variations to Try
Add Nuts: For added crunch and richness, throw in some toasted pecans or walnuts to enhance the flavor profile.
Fruit Twist: Toss in slices of crisp apple or juicy pomegranate seeds for a sweet and tart surprise in every bite.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or sliced turkey bacon for a more filling salad that’s still light and festive.
Creamy Upgrade: For a creamier texture, mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt to the dressing for a tangy twist.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare all your salad ingredients and dressing a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or blue cheese can make delightful alternatives, adding their unique flavors to the salad.
Slicing Tricks: For perfectly thin slices of red onion, soak them in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to your salad. This helps reduce their sharpness!
Storage Suggestions: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. This keeps the greens crisp for day two!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugars: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until it’s time to serve to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to customize this salad to your taste preferences with different veggies or toppings.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days.
How long does it last?
When stored properly, this salad is best enjoyed within two days for the freshest taste!
Wrapping It Up
This Tasty Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a delightful way to incorporate fresh flavors and vibrant color into your holiday gatherings. Its sweet and tangy dressing will leave everyone raving about your culinary skills! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday party, this salad will be a beloved addition to your table.
Save this Tasty Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing to your “Holiday Recipes” board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy the crunch and the joy it brings to your festive table!
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Tasty Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a delightful honey mustard dressing, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup croutons
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and croutons.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the festive crunch.
Notes
Make the dressing separately until ready to serve to keep the greens fresh. Can be customized with seasonal toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: holiday salad, honey mustard dressing, festive dish, easy salad
