This Christmas Salad is the kind of show-stopping, vibrant dish that effortlessly lights up any holiday table. Picture a big bowl bursting with glistening pomegranate seeds, crisp apples, toasted almonds, tangy feta, and dried cranberries, all nestled in a bed of fresh mixed greens. This festive salad isn’t just beautiful to look at—it’s a delightful collision of sweet, tart, savory, and crunchy that makes every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you serve it on Christmas Day or any winter gathering, it’s guaranteed to spark oohs and aahs from friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Christmas Salad is a breeze, and each component brings its own magic to the bowl. The fresh greens offer a tender foundation, while the mix of fruit, nuts, and cheese creates layers of flavor and texture that perfectly balance one another. Don’t skip the homemade dressing—it’s what ties everything together with a sweet and tangy finish!
- Mixed greens (6 cups): Choose a blend like arugula, spinach, and baby romaine for a wonderfully fresh and colorful base.
- Pomegranate seeds (1/2 cup): These jewel-like seeds add juicy bursts of sweetness and an irresistible pop of color—plus, they’re fun to eat!
- Sliced almonds, toasted (1/2 cup): Toasting the almonds brings out their nuttiness and lends a gorgeous crunch to every bite.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup): Creamy feta gives the salad a salty-savory note that plays beautifully with the fruit.
- Red onion, thinly sliced (1/2 cup): A few slivers of red onion add zing and a mild sharpness without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Crisp apple (1, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced: Apples bring sweetness and crunch; slice them just before serving to keep them fresh.
- Dried cranberries (1/4 cup): Tart and chewy, these cranberries give the salad those quintessential festive vibes.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): The backbone of the dressing, making everything rich and smooth.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp): This brings bright acidity and echoes the flavors of the season.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tbsp): For a touch of natural sweetness; use whichever you have on hand.
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Adds zip and helps the dressing emulsify.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To bring all the flavors to life.
How to Make Christmas Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Start by getting all your ingredients prepped and ready. Wash and dry the mixed greens to keep them crisp and perky. Slice the apple thinly (wait until just before assembling to avoid browning), and thinly slice the red onion for delicate shards of flavor. If your almonds aren’t already toasted, simply toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden and fragrant—keep an eye on them, as they go from perfect to burnt pretty quickly!
Step 2: Build the Salad Base
In a large serving bowl, layer the mixed greens first. Then scatter the pomegranate seeds, toasted almonds, crumbled feta cheese, red onion, apple slices, and dried cranberries over the top. There’s no science here—just spread everything out attractively so you can see bursts of color and texture throughout the bowl. This blend is what makes the Christmas Salad instantly appealing.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, your choice of honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk (or shake!) until smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened. Tasting the dressing with a leaf of green is a great way to check the balance—add a dash more vinegar for brightness, or a touch more honey for sweetness, if you’d like.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing evenly over your assembled salad. Gently toss everything together with clean hands or salad tongs, just enough to coat the leaves and toppings without crushing them. This way, every forkful of Christmas Salad is packed with contrasting flavors and that signature festive crunch. Serve immediately for maximum freshness!
How to Serve Christmas Salad
Garnishes
To make your Christmas Salad even more striking, scatter a few extra pomegranate seeds and a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or mint on top before bringing it to the table. A final drizzle of honey or a couple more sprinkles of toasted almonds can make it look (and taste) extra special. Tiny edible flowers, when in season, also add whimsical, holiday-worthy flair.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully alongside roasted meats, poultry, or vegetarian mains. Think juicy roast chicken, glazed ham, baked salmon, or a warming main like mushroom risotto. If you want to make it a meal, add grilled chicken or roasted butternut squash right on top—these flavors meld so well with the festive vibe of Christmas Salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly show-stopping presentation, serve your Christmas Salad in a large clear glass bowl to showcase all the layers of color. Or, for an elegant dinner, plate individual portions topped with a dramatic forkful of pomegranate seeds and a few extra almonds. For parties, you can even make little salad cups in clear tumblers for easy mingling and snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. If already dressed, it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for the freshest texture. Keep the dressing separate when possible to preserve the crispness of the greens.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Christmas Salad since the fresh greens and fruits lose their lovely texture once thawed. However, you can freeze the dressing separately if you’d like to prep that ahead; simply thaw and whisk before using.
Reheating
As this is a no-cook, fresh salad, reheating isn’t needed—or advised! Instead, enjoy leftovers cold, straight from the fridge for a refreshing, still-tasty bite whenever hunger strikes.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Salad ahead of time?
You can absolutely prep the greens, toast the almonds, and whisk the dressing a day in advance. Wait to slice the apple and assemble everything until just before serving so your salad stays crisp and colorful.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your favorite, try goat cheese for a creamy tang, or use shaved parmesan for a sharper finish. Vegan cheese alternatives work well too, keeping the Christmas Salad dairy-free.
Which apples work best in this salad?
Go for firm, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. These apples hold their shape and add a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the Christmas Salad.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make Christmas Salad a complete meal, top it with slices of grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted winter squash. You can also add cooked quinoa or farro for a hearty vegetarian twist.
Is Christmas Salad gluten-free?
Yes, every ingredient in this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to double-check any packaged ingredients, like feta or dried cranberries, if you’re serving someone with a strict gluten allergy.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Christmas Salad adds a fresh and festive spark to your holiday table. Its jewel-toned ingredients, lively flavors, and cheerful crunch make it one of those recipes everyone will look forward to year after year. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy, colorful, and crowd-pleasing it is!
Print
Christmas Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Salad is a delightful mix of fresh greens, sweet pomegranate seeds, crunchy almonds, tangy feta cheese, and a hint of sweetness from dried cranberries, all tossed in a flavorful dressing. It’s the perfect festive dish for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Mixed Greens:
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and baby romaine)
Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 crisp apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, mix together the mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, almonds, feta, red onion, apple slices, and dried cranberries.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey/maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and gently toss to coat. Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can prep the salad ingredients in advance, but wait to slice the apples and dress the salad right before serving to maintain freshness.
- For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or roasted butternut squash on top.
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