Description
Festive holiday salad combines crisp greens with pomegranate seeds and candied pecans for a delightful seasonal dish. Colorful ingredients create a memorable centerpiece that delights guests at winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Festive Holiday Salad Ingredients
Main Produce Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 1 medium apple (Gala or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Toppings and Cheese:
- 1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons golden honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Meticulously cleanse the leafy greens, utilizing a salad spinner or patting dry with paper towels to ensure optimal dressing adherence and prevent waterlogged texture.
- Skillfully core and slice the apple into delicate, uniform pieces, maintaining the vibrant skin for enhanced visual appeal and nutritional value. Extract pomegranate seeds with gentle precision, or halve fresh cranberries to modulate their intense flavor profile.
- Elevate the nutty components by carefully toasting in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, releasing their aromatic essence until they become fragrant and golden. Allow to cool completely before incorporating into the salad.
- Craft the dressing by vigorously combining honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil in a small vessel, whisking until achieving a harmonious, emulsified consistency. Season judiciously with salt and pepper to balance the flavor spectrum.
- Orchestrate the salad assembly by layering the prepared greens with pomegranate seeds, cranberries, apple slices, cooled nuts, and optional feta cheese in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently drizzle the honey mustard dressing, starting conservatively and adjusting to taste. Toss with a light touch to preserve the ingredients’ integrity and serve immediately for maximum freshness.
Notes
- Swap greens with kale or arugula for a peppery twist and boost nutrient density.
- Replace nuts with roasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative that maintains crunch and protein.
- Prepare dressing ahead and store in refrigerator for up to three days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Add grilled chicken or quinoa for a hearty protein boost, transforming this side salad into a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg