Christmas Salad !

🎄 Christmas Salad (Festive Holiday Salad)

⭐ Why this salad?

Bright colors, sweet-savory flavors, and fresh crunch make this a perfect Christmas side dish.

🥗 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 (Homemade)

• 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 & black pepper to taste

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk (or shake) olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

2. Assemble the salad
   In a large serving bowl, add mixed greens, apples, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and nuts.

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

4. Dress & toss
   Drizzle dressing just before serving and gently toss to combine.

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

🎁 Christmas Salad Q & A

❓ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes!
Prepare all ingredients separately and store them in airtight containers. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

❓ What protein can I add to make it a full meal?

Great options include:

• Grilled chicken

• Roasted turkey

• Baked salmon

• Chickpeas or lentils (vegetarian)

❓ Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely 🌱

• Skip the cheese or use vegan feta

• Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing

❓ What dressing works best if I don’t like balsamic?

Try:

• Orange vinaigrette

• Lemon-olive oil dressing

• Raspberry vinaigrette

❓ How do I keep apples from browning?

Toss apple slices lightly in lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

❓ What nuts are best?

Candied pecans are classic, but walnuts, almonds, or pistachios work beautifully.

❓ Can I use fresh cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are very tart. If using them, lightly cook with sugar and water for a few minutes, or stick with dried cranberries.

❓ Is this good for Christmas dinner?

Yes 🎄
This salad pairs perfectly with:

• Roast turkey

• Ham

• Prime rib

• Vegetarian holiday mains