Christmas Salad (Festive Holiday Salad)

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Christmas Salad (Festive Holiday Salad)

This Christmas Salad is a beautiful, festive dish that brings bright colors, fresh crunch, and sweet-savory flavors to your holiday table. With jewel-like pomegranate seeds, crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese, it’s the perfect balance to rich Christmas mains. Easy to prepare and elegant to serve, this salad works wonderfully as a side dish or can be turned into a light meal with added protein.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Salad

  • Festive red, green, and white colors for Christmas
  • Sweet, tangy, and crunchy in every bite
  • Fresh and light to balance heavy holiday dishes
  • Easy to customize for vegan or gluten-free diets

🥗 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

Salad

  • 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1 large Honeycrisp or Gala apple, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
  • ¾ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • Optional: ½ cup sliced pears or mandarin oranges

Dressing

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

2️⃣ Assemble the salad
In a large serving bowl, add the mixed greens. Top with apple slices, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, and candied nuts. If using pears or mandarins, add them now.

3️⃣ Add cheese
Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese evenly over the salad.

4️⃣ Dress & toss
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss until everything is lightly coated.

5️⃣ Serve
Garnish with extra pomegranate seeds or nuts for a festive presentation. Serve immediately.

🎁 Tips & Variations

  • Make ahead: Prep all ingredients separately and assemble right before serving.
  • Add protein: Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, baked salmon, chickpeas, or lentils.
  • Vegan option: Skip cheese or use vegan feta; choose maple syrup.
  • No balsamic? Try orange vinaigrette, lemon dressing, or raspberry vinaigrette.
  • Prevent browning: Toss apple slices lightly with lemon juice.

Fresh, festive, and full of holiday cheer, this Christmas Salad is guaranteed to shine on your Christmas table 🎄🥗✨

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