Get ready to fall head over heels for Holiday Honeycrisp Salad, a radiant and refreshing dish packed with goodies that will brighten your table all season long. Crisp Honeycrisp apples mingle with the tartness of dried cranberries, the crunch of candied pecans, and the creamy tang of cheese, all brought together by a sweet-tart honey Dijon dressing. Every bite tastes like autumn celebrations, making it a must-have for holiday feasts, festive gatherings, or cozy lunches at home. Once you try this colorful salad, it just might become your signature holiday side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Holiday Honeycrisp Salad is how each ingredient plays a starring role—from the sweet snap of apples to the savory pop of pomegranate. You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find groceries; just a handful of fresh, vibrant, and delicious basics. Let each one shine to make this salad unforgettable!
- Honeycrisp Apples (2, thinly sliced): Their crisp texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor are essential for that perfect bite.
- Mixed Salad Greens (6 cups): Choose a blend for color and texture—think baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix.
- Dried Cranberries (1/2 cup): They add chewy tartness and a lovely pop of red color.
- Candied Pecans (1/2 cup): For irresistible crunch and a touch of sweetness that feels so festive.
- Feta or Goat Cheese (1/3 cup, crumbled): Creamy, tangy cheese brings everything together—pick your favorite!
- Red Onion (1/4 small, thinly sliced): Delivers sharpness and color contrast—slice paper thin for best balance.
- Pomegranate Arils (1/4 cup): Jewels of juicy tartness that make the salad sparkle, both visually and flavor-wise.
- Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Forms the base of your silky homemade dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds bright, fruity acidity that matches beautifully with apples.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Touch of natural sweetness to balance the tang.
- Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): For slight zing and to help the dressing emulsify.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors into focus.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little heat to round out the dressing—fresh-cracked is best!
How to Make Holiday Honeycrisp Salad
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing
Grab a small bowl and add olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and slightly thickened—this lets all those sweet, tangy, and zesty flavors meld together beautifully. Set aside so it’s ready when your salad is assembled.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In your largest salad bowl, layer in the mixed greens first for a fluffy base. Add the Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, candied pecans, crumbled feta or goat cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and pomegranate arils. It should look like a burst of color and texture, and that’s just what you want!
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top right before serving. Using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss everything together so each ingredient gets lightly coated, but the apples and greens stay crisp and perky.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Once tossed, bring your Holiday Honeycrisp Salad straight to the table. The apples are at their most fresh and vibrant, and the greens will stay delightfully crisp.
How to Serve Holiday Honeycrisp Salad
Garnishes
A few extra pomegranate arils or an extra sprinkle of candied pecans on top turn this salad into a showstopper. If you like, add a very light drizzle of honey or a bit more cheese just before serving for another layer of sparkle and flavor.
Side Dishes
Holiday Honeycrisp Salad is a wonderful companion for roasted turkey, glazed ham, nutty grain dishes, or even a simple grilled chicken breast. Its lively flavors pair well with both holiday classics and weeknight meals—think of it as your flavor-packed alternative to basic greens.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad family-style in a wide, shallow dish so the colors shine. For special occasions, build individual salads in pretty bowls, or even spoon a small portion onto endive leaves for a festive appetizer bite. A sprinkle of edible flowers or microgreens can give the salad a little extra wow factor if you’re feeling artsy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Holiday Honeycrisp Salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The apples may brown and the greens will soften a bit, but it’ll still make a satisfying snack or light meal!
Freezing
Sadly, Holiday Honeycrisp Salad isn’t a candidate for the freezer. Freezing will make the greens wilt and the apples mushy, so for best taste and texture, enjoy it fresh or within a day or two of making.
Reheating
Salads like this are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If the salad has been refrigerated, simply give it a quick toss before serving to distribute any dressing that’s settled.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad, Side Dish
Yes! While Honeycrisp apples give this salad its signature crunch and sweetness, you can substitute Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala if you like—but the key is using a crisp, flavorful variety.
What other nuts work in this salad?
If you’re out of pecans or want to switch things up, candied walnuts or toasted almonds also provide wonderful crunch and sweetness. Just be sure to use a nut with some natural sweetness to complement the fruit.
Can I make Holiday Honeycrisp Salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the feta or goat cheese, or use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep all the creamy goodness without the dairy.
Is the dressing recipe gluten-free?
Yes—all the dressing ingredients (olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper) are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mustard to be sure, as brands can vary.
Can I bulk up this salad for a main dish?
Definitely! Top your Holiday Honeycrisp Salad with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even quinoa for a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about bringing a Holiday Honeycrisp Salad to the table—the colors, crunch, and flavors invite everyone to dig in. Give it a try at your next gathering, and don’t be surprised when it’s the first dish to disappear. Happy holidays and happy eating!
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Holiday Honeycrisp Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook, Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Holiday Honeycrisp Salad is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for festive gatherings or a light meal. Crisp apples, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy pecans come together with a flavorful dressing to create a refreshing salad that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 Honeycrisp apples thinly sliced
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup candied pecans
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, cranberries, pecans, feta, red onion, and pomegranate arils.
- Add the dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Enjoy the Holiday Honeycrisp Salad immediately.
Notes
- For added protein, top with grilled chicken or turkey.
- If making ahead, prepare the dressing separately and add just before serving to keep greens crisp.
