A vibrant and festive salad featuring mixed greens, colorful veggies, and a delightful honey mustard dressing, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
As the holiday season approaches, I find that my kitchen transforms into a sanctuary of aromas and colors, where every dish tells a story. This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is special to me, not just for its festive flair but for the warmth it brings to the table. Each vibrant ingredient evokes memories of family gatherings, laughter, and the anticipation of shared meals. Trust me, a spoonful of this salad is a taste of holiday joy!
What I love most about this salad is how it harmonizes sweet and savory flavors. The honey mustard dressing adds a delightful zing that elevates the freshness of the greens and the crispness of the cranberries and nuts. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for busy holiday hosts like us!
Ingredients
- Mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or kale) – 4 cups
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber – 1 medium, sliced
- Red onion – 1 small, thinly sliced
- Dried cranberries – 1/2 cup
- Feta cheese – 1/2 cup, crumbled (or goat cheese for a twist)
- Walnuts or pecans – 1/2 cup, roughly chopped
- Olive oil – 1/3 cup
- Dijon mustard – 2 tablespoons
- Honey – 2 tablespoons
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Feel free to swap the nuts or cheese based on your preference or dietary needs. Add avocado for extra creaminess or crispy bacon bits for some hearty flavor!
How to Make It
Let’s jump into creating this festive salad! Start by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the mixed greens thoroughly, pat them dry, and place them in a large salad bowl. This helps remove any excess moisture, ensuring they maintain their crispiness.
Next, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and your cucumber into bite-sized pieces, then add them to the bowl. The splash of red from the tomatoes and the vibrant green of the cucumbers make this salad as visually appealing as it is delicious!
Now, thinly slice your red onion. The key here is to cut them finely—nobody wants overpowering onion flavor. Toss them into the bowl along with the cranberries, which add a lovely sweetness. Speaking of sweetness, let’s not forget the beautiful feta cheese. Crumble it, and sprinkle it liberally over the top.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk this dreamy dressing until it’s well combined—you want a smooth consistency that will cling beautifully to every ingredient in the salad.
Now, this is the fun part! Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over your salad, and gently toss everything together. You want every bite to be flavorful, so take your time here!
Once it’s all mixed, finish off by adding the chopped nuts for that satisfying crunch. Give it a final toss, and you’re ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions
This salad serves beautifully on a buffet table or as a vibrant side dish alongside roasted meats or seafood. Think of serving it with herb-roasted turkey or glazed ham for a memorable holiday meal. Alternatively, pair it with a hearty soup for a cozy winter lunch—an unexpected match that never fails to impress!
Tips and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. For a vegan alternative, simply use a plant-based cheese and maple syrup instead of honey. You can also experiment with different greens, like arugula or mesclun mix, to personalize the flavor profile. Another tip? Make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week—this saves you precious minutes on busy holiday prep days!
Q&A Section
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients the day before, but I recommend adding the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for the feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a vegan cheese alternative works wonderfully!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two. The greens may wilt, but the flavors will still be lovely!
Can I use a different dressing?
Definitely! Feel free to play around with other dressings like balsamic vinaigrette or a simple lemon-olive oil combination for a different twist.
Behind The Scenes
While developing this recipe, I faced the challenge of balancing the flavors in the dressing. I initially used too much honey, which overpowered the mustard’s zing. After a few trials, I found that the perfect ratio added just the right amount of sweetness without masking the delightful tang. Now, this dressing is a regular in my kitchen, both for salads and drizzling over roasted veggies!
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing captures the essence of the holiday season in every bite. It’s fresh, vibrant, and offers a delightful mix of flavors that complements various holiday dishes. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this salad adds a special touch to any table. Enjoy every bite, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try!
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups Mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or kale) Rinse and pat dry
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved
- 1 medium Cucumber Sliced
- 1 small Red onion Thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese Crumbled (or goat cheese for a twist)
- 1/2 cup Walnuts or pecans Roughly chopped
Honey Mustard Dressing
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper To taste
Preparation
Rinse the mixed greens thoroughly, pat them dry, and place them in a large salad bowl.
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and cucumber into bite-sized pieces, then add them to the bowl.
Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl along with the cranberries and crumbled feta cheese.
Dressing Preparation
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Whisk the dressing until it's well combined and smooth.
Assembly
Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over your salad and gently toss everything together.
Finish off by adding the chopped nuts and give it a final toss before serving.
Serving: 1gCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 180mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g
Feel free to swap the nuts or cheese based on your preference. You can also add avocado for extra creaminess or crispy bacon bits for a hearty flavor. The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
