Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Why This Recipe Works

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing mixes sweet, tart, crunchy, and creamy in every bite. The pomegranate seeds and cranberries give bright fruit bursts. Apples add crisp texture. Candied nuts add sweet crunch and feta adds a soft salty note. The honey mustard dressing ties all flavors together with a smooth sweet-tangy finish. Pair this salad with an easy meatloaf for a full, simple holiday plate.

This salad looks festive and it is fast to make. Use baby spinach or mixed greens as a green base. The dressing is quick: honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. You can make the dressing ahead and toss just before serving. If you like other crunchy salads, try a cucumber and tomato salad hack for more fresh ideas.

Why you should try this recipe

• It is colorful and fits holiday tables.
• It is easy and quick to assemble.
• It balances sweet and tart flavors with crunchy textures.
• You can change ingredients to match what you have.

How to make Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

This section shows the main steps. Follow the ingredients and the equipment list, then use the step-by-step instructions below.

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 (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

Equipments Needed

• Large salad bowl
• Small bowl or jar for dressing
• Whisk or fork
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Salad tongs or large spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions :

Prepare the Salad:

1. Wash and dry the baby spinach or mixed greens.
2. Place greens into a large salad bowl.
3. Add pomegranate seeds, cranberries, thin apple slices, and red onion if using.
4. Sprinkle candied nuts and crumbled feta on top.

Make the Honey Mustard Dressing:

1. In a small bowl or jar, add 2 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard.
2. Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
3. Slowly whisk in ¼ cup olive oil until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust honey or vinegar if you want it sweeter or tangier.

Assemble the Salad:

1. Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad.
2. Toss gently to coat leaves and fruit.
3. Serve immediately to keep apples crisp and nuts crunchy.

How to serve Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Serve this salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. It pairs well with roasted meats, sandwiches, or simple mains. For dessert after this salad, a light sweet like a churro cheesecake keeps the holiday mood going.

How to store Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

• Store dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Store salad ingredients separately if possible: greens in a sealed container, fruit and nuts in another.
• Once dressed, eat within a few hours for best texture. Dressed salad can become soggy if stored overnight.

Tips & Tricks

• Use a crisp apple like Granny Smith for tartness or Gala for sweetness.
• Toast the nuts lightly for extra flavor before candying or buying pre-candied nuts.
• If fresh pomegranate seeds are hard to get, frozen seeds work when thawed and drained.
• To save time, make the dressing the day before and keep it chilled. Also check a festive dessert idea like toffee crunch cake to round your menu.

Variations & Substitutions (if any)

• Swap feta for goat cheese or omit cheese for dairy-free.
• Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
• Replace fresh cranberries with dried cranberries or cherries.
• Try balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a deeper flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes. Omit feta and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

Q: Can I use bottled honey mustard dressing?
A: Yes, but homemade dressing is brighter and you can control the sweetness.

Q: How do I keep apples from browning?
A: Toss apple slices in a little lemon juice or add them just before serving.

Q: Can I add protein to make it a meal?
A: Yes. Add grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Conclusion

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is bright, crunchy, and simple to make. For another festive salad idea with a similar feel, try Half Baked Harvest’s Christmas Salad version. If you like pomegranate in salads, see the Beaming Baker Best Christmas Salad with Pomegranate for a different take.

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