Crisp, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this Festive Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is the perfect way to brighten up your holiday table. The combination of textures – juicy pomegranate seeds, crunchy pecans, creamy feta, and chewy cranberries – creates a delightful experience in every bite. But what truly makes this salad shine is the tangy and sweet honey mustard dressing, which ties all the elements together in perfect harmony.
This recipe works so well because it balances sweetness, acidity, and richness. The sweetness of the cranberries and honey contrasts beautifully with the salty feta and tangy mustard. The variety of textures keeps things interesting, preventing it from being just another boring salad. Serve this vibrant dish as a light and refreshing side to balance richer holiday fare, or even as a light lunch any time of year.
Why you’ll love this Festive Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing with Christmas Salad Honey Mustard Dressing
* It’s ready in just 15 minutes, leaving you more time to focus on other holiday preparations.
* The festive colors make it a beautiful and eye-catching addition to your Christmas spread.
* The sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing elevates simple mixed greens into something special.
* This salad offers a light and refreshing contrast to heavier holiday dishes.
* It’s easy to customize with your favorite fruits, nuts, and cheeses.
* You’ll love the balance of textures in this *christmas salad honey mustard dressing* recipe.
Ingredients & Substitutions
* 6 cups mixed salad greens
* 1 cup pomegranate seeds
* 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
* 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (goat cheese is a good substitute)
* 1/4 cup dried cranberries
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 3 tablespoons honey
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
Consider using maple syrup instead of honey for a slight flavor variation. For a nut-free option, substitute the pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
How to make Festive Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Step 1: Combine Salad Ingredients
Christmas salad honey mustard dressing makes every moment feel energetic. In a large bowl, gently combine the mixed salad greens, pomegranate seeds, chopped pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and dried cranberries.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Mustard Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Make sure the honey is fully incorporated for a smooth dressing.
Chef’s Tip: For a creamier dressing, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or plain yogurt.
Step 3: Dress and Serve
Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
Tips for Success
* Don’t overdress the salad! Start with a little dressing and add more as needed.
* Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad for enhanced flavor and crunch.
* Use high-quality olive oil for the best-tasting dressing.
* For maximum flavor, make the dressing a few hours ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This Festive Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or even a hearty lentil loaf. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a warm bowl of soup or some crusty bread. If you need a great appetizer, check out these crispy homemade mozzarella sticks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad base and the dressing separately ahead of time. Toss them together just before serving.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use different types of nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios would also be delicious in this salad.
Conclusion
This Festive Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will elevate any holiday meal. The easy preparation and vibrant presentation make it a winner, and the delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and savory will keep everyone coming back for more. So, ditch the boring side dishes and add this incredible *christmas salad honey mustard dressing* recipe to your holiday menu. Be sure to check out this cucumber caprese salad for another refreshing salad option. What are your favorite salad additions? Let us know in the comments below!
Festive Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
This Christmas salad is a vibrant and flavorful addition to your holiday table. Crisp mixed greens are tossed with juicy pomegranate seeds, crunchy pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and sweet dried cranberries, all drizzled with a tangy and sweet honey mustard dressing. The textures and flavors combine perfectly for a light and refreshing side dish that complements any holiday feast. It’s quick to prepare and adds a touch of elegance to your Christmas celebration, offering a delightful balance to richer dishes. This is one holiday salad recipe you will make year after year!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, pomegranate seeds, chopped pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and dried cranberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can also add other fruits or vegetables to the salad, such as sliced apples, pears, or oranges. Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg