Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a festive and refreshing dish perfect for holiday gatherings. It combines crisp greens, sweet and tart fruits, crunchy nuts, and a tangy-sweet dressing for a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
• 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries)
• 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (such as a Gala or Granny Smith)
• ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash and dry the spinach or mixed greens thoroughly. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Step 2: Core the apple and thinly slice it. Leaving the skin on adds color and nutrients if desired.
3. Step 3: Prepare the pomegranate seeds by carefully removing them from the fruit. If using fresh cranberries, leave them whole or slice them in half for a milder flavor.
4. Step 4: Optional: Toast the candied pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Step 6: In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, apple slices, toasted nuts, and feta cheese if using. Toss gently to mix.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss carefully until all ingredients are evenly coated. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately as a colorful and refreshing side dish or starter for your holiday meal.

Tips & Variations

• Swap candied nuts for plain toasted nuts if you prefer less sweetness.
• Add thinly sliced red onion for a mild sharpness that complements the sweetness.
• Use dried cranberries if fresh ones are not available, but consider soaking them briefly in warm water to soften.
• For a vegan option, omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately (greens, fruit, nuts, and dressing) in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting. The dressing can be stored for up to one week and shaken well before use.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the salad in advance?

It’s best to prepare the ingredients in advance but toss the salad and dressing together just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pomegranate seeds?

You can use red grapes, cherries, or additional cranberries for a similar burst of color and tartness in the salad.

Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 71 reviews

This vibrant Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a festive, refreshing dish perfect for holiday gatherings. It combines crisp baby spinach or mixed greens with sweet and tart pomegranate seeds, fresh or dried cranberries, and thinly sliced apple. Toasted candied pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, while optional crumbled feta and red onion provide creamy and sharp notes. The salad is dressed with a smooth, tangy honey mustard dressing made from honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil, creating a well-balanced flavor perfect as a colorful side or starter during the holiday season.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
• 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries)
• 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (such as Gala or Granny Smith)
• ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Honey Mustard Dressing

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad: Wash your baby spinach or mixed greens thoroughly and dry them gently with a salad spinner or paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Slice the Apple: Core and thinly slice the apple, leaving the skin on if desired for color and added nutrients.
3. Prepare the Pomegranate and Cranberries: Carefully remove the seeds from the pomegranate, and if using fresh cranberries, leave them whole or slice in half for a milder flavor.
4. Toast the Nuts (Optional): In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the candied pecans or walnuts for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
5. Make the Honey Mustard Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach or mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, apple slices, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta and red onion if using. Toss gently to mix.
7. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss again to coat everything evenly, gently mixing to avoid overdressing.
8. Serve: Serve immediately as a fresh, colorful, and festive side dish or appetizer.

Notes

• To toast nuts, watch closely to prevent burning and stir frequently.
• Use dried cranberries if fresh cranberries aren’t available; they add sweetness and texture.
• For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
• Adjust the dressing’s honey amount to make it more or less sweet according to preference.
• Salad is best served immediately to keep greens fresh and crisp.

Keywords: Christmas salad, honey mustard dressing, festive salad, holiday side dish, pomegranate salad, spinach salad