Christmas Salad Recipe – American Special
This Christmas Salad is a festive, vibrant dish that brings together a mix of fresh greens, juicy fruits, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing—perfect for adding a burst of color and flavor to your holiday spread. Whether you’re looking for a light side or a show-stopping starter, this salad offers a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday meals, making it the ultimate balance of health and holiday indulgence.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time1 min
- Total Time16 min
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, and/or baby kale)
- 1 red apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber (optional)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Wash and dry the mixed greens. Place them in a large salad bowl.
Slice the apple thinly, discarding the core, and add the slices to the bowl.
Add the pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts.
If using, add the cucumber and red onion.
Optionally, crumble the goat cheese or feta over the salad.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Toss the Salad:
Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Serve:
Serve immediately for the freshest taste. You can also prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and dress just before serving.
Recipe Notes :
Nuts:Feel free to use any nuts you prefer (e.g., almonds, candied pecans, or pistachios). Toasting nuts before adding them to the salad brings out their flavor.
Fruit:The apple adds a crisp, sweet touch. You can substitute it with pears, oranges, or even mandarins for a citrus twist.
Cheese:Goat cheese, feta, or even a sharp Parmesan work well in this salad. If you’re serving this salad to a crowd with dairy allergies, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Make Ahead:If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and toss the salad right before serving. You can also prep the fruit and nuts in advance but store them separately to prevent sogginess.
Serving Suggestions:This salad pairs beautifully with holiday roasts like turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian main dish. It’s also great as a standalone dish for a light holiday lunch.
