A festive and colorful Christmas Salad brimming with vibrant greens, juicy fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese. Topped with a luscious honey mustard dressing, it’s a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Flavorful: Perfectly balanced sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh greens, fruits, and nuts.

Simple yet Elegant: Easy to prepare and impressive to serve.
Customizable: Adjust the fruits, nuts, or cheese to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad

1 ½ cups walnuts, raw and unsalted
½ cup pumpkin seeds, unshelled
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup

¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
6 cups salad greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, or mixed 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 virgin olive oil
¼ cup balsamic or apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fig jam

2 teaspoons orange peel zest + 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Nuts

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, toss the walnuts and pumpkin seeds with honey (or maple syrup), chipotle powder, and a pinch of salt.
Spread the coated nuts evenly on the baking sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until toasted and fragrant.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with flaky salt, and let cool completely.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens and frisée leaves.

Top with diced apple or pear, sliced avocado, and pomegranate seeds.
Sprinkle the cooled nuts and crumbled cheese over the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a glass jar, combine olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, fig jam, orange peel zest, and orange juice.

Add salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste.
Secure the lid and shake vigorously until well combined.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.

Gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Serve immediately and enjoy a fresh, flavorful holiday salad!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Cheese Options: Substitute goat cheese with Brie, or try a sharp white cheddar.
Nut Alternatives: Swap walnuts and pumpkin seeds for pecans or almonds.
Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or smoked salmon for a heartier dish.

Sweet Twist: Use dried cranberries or candied nuts for extra sweetness.

Storage

Salad Base: Store undressed salad components in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Dressing: Keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the salad without dressing and nuts, and add them just before serving.

2. What can I use instead of fig jam?

Replace with apricot preserves or a touch of maple syrup for sweetness.

3. How do I keep apples and avocados from browning?

Toss them in a bit of orange juice or lemon juice to prevent oxidation.

4. Is this salad vegan-friendly?

Make it vegan by omitting the cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative.

5. Can I add more greens?

Absolutely! Kale, romaine, or watercress would be great additions.

6. What if I don’t have chipotle powder?

Use smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar kick.

7. What’s the best way to serve this salad?

Serve on a large platter for a visually stunning presentation or in individual bowls for easy serving.

8. Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but the homemade honey mustard dressing adds a special touch.

9. How do I ensure the nuts stay crunchy?

Let the nuts cool completely before adding them to the salad.

10. What’s a good substitute for pomegranate seeds?

Use dried cranberries, fresh raspberries, or diced oranges for a fruity touch.

Conclusion

This Juicy Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a vibrant and festive addition to any holiday table. Packed with fresh greens, sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and tangy cheese, it’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Top it off with the homemade dressing for a dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Try this recipe and impress your guests this holiday season!