Ah, the holiday season—it’s that magical time when kitchens buzz with the aroma of cinnamon and pine, and tables overflow with dishes that invite you to indulge. Christmas, with its twinkling lights and laughter, demands something truly special, doesn’t it? These delightful holiday salad recipes might just be the unexpected hero of your festive feast, adding a splash of color and a burst of freshness to your table.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the walnuts and pumpkin seeds with honey or maple syrup, chili powder, and salt, then bake for 15 minutes, stirring once until toasted. Once done, spread them out in a single layer and sprinkle with flaky salt.
- Place the mixed greens into a large salad bowl, followed by apple slices, avocado pieces, and pomegranate seeds. Add the cheese and roasted nuts on top, then gently toss everything together.
- For the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a glass jar and shake well to mix. Right before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss it again to ensure even coating. Enjoy your salad!
Ingredients
- Mixed spring greens
- Arugula or Frisée, as available
- 1 apple, sliced
- 2 avocados, sliced
- Pomegranate arils
- Crumbled blue cheese, goat cheese, or feta cheese, as preferred
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Flaky salt, for sprinkling
- Honey mustard dressing:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fig preserves
- Chili flakes, to taste
- Zest and juice of 1 orange (or lemon, if preferred)
FAQ
- What are the main ingredients in the Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing?
- The salad includes mixed greens, avocado, pomegranate arils, maple-roasted walnuts, and crumbled cheese, all tossed together with a honey mustard dressing.
- Can I customize the nuts used in the salad?
- Absolutely! While the recipe suggests walnuts and pumpkin seeds roasted with maple syrup, you can use your favorite nuts or seeds to add your preferred crunch and flavor.
- What type of cheese is recommended for this salad?
- The salad can be topped with crumbled blue cheese, goat cheese, or feta. Use whichever cheese you and your family prefer, with blue cheese being a popular choice.
- How is the honey mustard dressing made?
- The dressing is a blend of honey, dijon mustard, balsamic or apple cider vinegar, fig preserves, chili flakes, and a touch of orange zest and juice for added tang.
- Can the salad be prepared in advance?
- While you can prepare the components ahead of time, it’s best to toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
Tips
- Roast Nuts in Advance: Prepare a larger batch of maple-roasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds than the recipe requires. Store the extra for future salads to save time and add convenience.
- Customize the Greens: If you can’t find Frisée, feel free to substitute with arugula or your preferred mix of greens. This flexibility ensures you can always enjoy the salad regardless of ingredient availability.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese according to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer blue, goat, or feta cheese, each will bring a unique flavor to the salad.
- Dressing Variations: Enhance the honey mustard dressing with your choice of vinegar or citrus zest. Consider using balsamic, apple cider vinegar, or adding orange or lemon zest for a personalized touch.
Equipment
- Parchment Paper: For lining the baking sheet when toasting the walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
- Baking Sheet: For roasting the walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
- Large Salad Bowl: To mix and serve the salad.
- Glass Jar with Lid: For making and storing the honey mustard dressing.
