Christmas Salad

Christmas Salad is the perfect dish to serve at your holiday gatherings. Bursting with vibrant colors and flavors, this salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate seasonal ingredients and offers a delightful contrast to heavier holiday fare.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 180
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 150mg

Why Make Christmas Salad

Christmas Salad is a healthy and vibrant option that pairs beautifully with any holiday meal. Packed with nutrients from the mixed greens and topped with antioxidant-rich pomegranate seeds, it’s a great way to encourage everyone to eat their veggies. This salad is also versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

How to Make Christmas Salad Step by Step

Ingredients

6 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup toasted pecans
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 apple, thinly sliced
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, toasted pecans, crumbled feta cheese, apple slices, dried cranberries, and red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

How to Serve Christmas Salad

This beautiful Christmas Salad pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or ham. For a complete festive meal, consider serving it alongside a warm bread basket. You can also offer a variety of dressings for guests to choose from, enhancing the salad experience.

How to Store Christmas Salad

Leftover Christmas Salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days. However, the greens can wilt if left too long, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. Reheat any leftover dressing if you prefer it warm. This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the texture of the greens would deteriorate.

Expert Tips for Cooking Christmas Salad

Use seasonal fruits like pears or mandarins for a different twist.
Try adding cooked quinoa for extra protein and fiber.
For a spicy kick, include some sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper in the dressing.
Make the dressing in advance and store it separately until ready to serve, ensuring freshness.
Don’t skip the resting time—letting the salad sit for a bit allows the flavors to meld harmoniously.

Delicious Variations of Christmas Salad

For a herbed version, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an aromatic touch.
A citrus twist can be achieved by incorporating orange segments or grapefruit.
For a vegetarian option, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

Christmas Salad is an irresistible dish that perfectly captures the essence of the season. With its bright colors and fresh flavors, it’s sure to delight your guests and add a festive touch to your table. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this vibrant salad.