Juicy Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

This festive Christmas salad combines the best of fresh, seasonal ingredients for an explosion of flavors and textures. With crunchy toasted nuts, vibrant pomegranate seeds, creamy avocado, and tangy honey mustard dressing, this salad is an ideal addition to your holiday menu.

Whether served as a side dish or light main course, this salad will be the centerpiece of your Christmas table. You’ll love how it balances sweetness, creaminess, and a subtle kick of spice for a dish that’s both healthy and indulgent.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Salad bowl
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Glass jar with lid (for the dressing)

Preparation Tips

• Toast the nuts in advance for added crunch and deeper flavor.
• Use fresh, high-quality greens and fruits for the best results.
• Shake the dressing in a jar for effortless blending and minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1½ cups walnuts, raw and unsalted
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds, unshelled
• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 2 cups frisée leaves
• 1-2 apples or pears, diced
• 2 avocados, sliced
• 2 cups pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup crumbled cheese (blue, feta, or goat cheese)

For the Dressing:

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic or apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fig jam
• 2 teaspoons orange zest + 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chili flakes, to taste

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare and Toast the Nuts

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Toss the walnuts and pumpkin seeds with honey (or maple syrup), chipotle powder, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl.
• Spread the nuts evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Remove the nuts from the oven and sprinkle with flaky salt. Let them cool completely.

2. Assemble the Salad

• In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens and frisée leaves.
• Layer diced apples or pears, avocado slices, and pomegranate seeds on top.
• Sprinkle the cooled nuts and crumbled cheese evenly over the salad.

3. Make the Dressing

• Combine all dressing ingredients (olive oil, balsamic or apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, fig jam, orange zest, orange juice, salt, pepper, and chili flakes) in a glass jar.
• Seal the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined.

4. Dress and Serve

• Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving.
• Toss gently to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.

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Notes

• Cheese Options: Use blue, feta, or goat cheese, depending on your preference.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the nuts and dressing in advance. Store nuts in an airtight container and dressing in the fridge.
• Apple Prep: To prevent browning, soak apple or pear slices in a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon salt per 1 cup water) for 5 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before adding to the salad.
• Serving Tip: Serve the salad within an hour of preparation for optimal taste and texture.

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Serving Suggestions

This Juicy Christmas Salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of festive dishes. Here are some serving ideas:

• Serve alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or herb-crusted salmon for a complete holiday feast.
• Transform it into a light main course by adding grilled chicken, tofu, or seared shrimp.
• Add a finishing touch of edible flowers or an extra sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for an elegant presentation.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overdressing the Salad

Too much dressing can make the greens soggy. Drizzle just enough to lightly coat the ingredients, and serve extra dressing on the side.

2. Preparing Too Early

To maintain freshness, assemble the salad right before serving. If you need to prepare ahead, keep components like toasted nuts and dressing separate until just before mealtime.

3. Skipping the Toasted Nuts

The nuts add a vital layer of flavor and crunch to the salad. Don’t skip this step, as it elevates the dish from ordinary to exceptional.

4. Not Balancing Flavors

Ensure you balance sweetness (from honey and fruits), acidity (from the dressing), and creaminess (from the cheese and avocado). Adjust seasoning to suit your taste.

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Side Dish Recommendations

Pair this salad with these complementary side dishes for a well-rounded holiday spread:

1. Herb-Crusted Dinner Rolls
   Soft, fluffy rolls infused with rosemary or thyme are perfect for soaking up extra dressing.
2. Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
   The sweetness of the potatoes complements the tangy dressing and nutty crunch of the salad.
3. Garlic Green Beans
   A simple, garlicky green bean dish adds a vibrant, crisp contrast.
4. Cranberry Relish
   The tartness of cranberries enhances the salad’s fruity elements and adds holiday flair.
5. Classic Stuffing
   Savory stuffing with herbs and nuts is a timeless pairing for the freshness of the salad.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
   Roasted Brussels sprouts mirror the salad’s earthy and tangy flavors, creating a harmonious pairing.
7. Parmesan Polenta
   Creamy, cheesy polenta provides a comforting base to balance the freshness of the salad.
8. Buttery Cornbread Muffins
   These golden, rich muffins offer a sweet and savory counterpoint to the crisp greens and tangy dressing.

Recipe Tips

• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap fruits (e.g., use pears instead of apples) or cheeses (like goat cheese or feta) to suit your taste.
• Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies, substitute walnuts with sunflower or sesame seeds.
• Make Ahead:
• Nuts: Toast and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Dressing: Prepare the dressing and refrigerate for up to a week. Shake before using.

Storage

• Salad Components:
• Keep greens and toppings separate to prevent wilting. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Dressing: Store in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Reheating

• Toasted Nuts: If the nuts lose their crunch, re-toast them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this salad vegan?

A: Absolutely! Substitute honey with maple syrup and replace the cheese with a plant-based alternative like almond ricotta or cashew cheese.

Q: What fruits can I substitute in this salad?

A: You can use pears, mandarin oranges, or even dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for variety.

Q: How can I prevent avocado from browning?

A: Toss avocado slices in lemon or lime juice before adding them to the salad to maintain their fresh appearance.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes! Prepare the nuts and dressing in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store the salad without dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to add just before eating.

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Conclusion

The Juicy Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is the perfect way to bring festive cheer to your holiday table. Packed with fresh greens, vibrant fruits, and crunchy toasted nuts, it’s a delicious and healthy option that your guests will love.

Its versatility as a side dish or light main course makes it a go-to recipe for any festive gathering. With its balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this salad is guaranteed to impress.