Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is fresh, vibrant, and full of contrasting textures. It balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully, pairs well with rich holiday dishes, and comes together quickly with minimal preparation.
Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing: Fresh, Festive, and Perfectly Balanced
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and festive winter salad made with crisp greens, seasonal fruits, crunchy nuts, and a sweet-tangy honey mustard dressing—perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries or pomegranate arils
- 1 crisp apple or pear, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apple or pear, fresh cranberries or pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, and nuts.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add roasted butternut squash for extra heartiness.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep greens crisp.
- Can be prepared ahead by storing dressing separately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Mixed winter greens create the base of the salad. Greens such as arugula, spinach, or baby kale provide freshness and slight bitterness.
Apple slices add natural sweetness and crisp texture, pairing perfectly with the honey mustard dressing.
Pomegranate seeds bring brightness, gentle tartness, and a festive pop of color.
Red onion adds sharpness and depth, balancing the sweetness of the fruit.
Roasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans add crunch and warmth, making the salad feel hearty and seasonal.
Crumbled cheese provides creaminess and contrast. Mild or tangy varieties work especially well.
Olive oil forms the base of the dressing, creating a smooth and balanced texture.
Honey adds gentle sweetness and a festive warmth to the dressing.
Dijon mustard provides tang and depth, giving the dressing its signature flavor.
Apple cider vinegar adds acidity and brightness, lifting the entire salad.
Salt enhances and balances all flavors.
Black pepper adds subtle warmth and contrast.
Directions
Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the mixed greens. Place them in a large serving bowl. Add the sliced apples, pomegranate seeds, red onion, roasted nuts, and crumbled cheese, distributing evenly throughout the greens. In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 to 6 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes. No cooking is required, making the total time roughly 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store salad components and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Toss together just before serving. Reheating is not applicable.
Variations and Customizations
Protein-added salad
Add grilled chicken or roasted turkey for a complete meal.
Citrus winter version
Include orange segments or mandarin slices for extra brightness.
Grain-enhanced style
Add cooked quinoa or farro for a more filling salad.
Extra festive option
Incorporate dried cranberries for added sweetness.
Vegan version
Omit cheese or replace with a plant-based alternative.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving.
What apples work best?
Crisp varieties hold their shape and flavor well.
Can I use bottled honey mustard?
Homemade dressing provides better balance and freshness.
Is this salad sweet?
It is balanced, with gentle sweetness from fruit and honey.
What nuts work best?
Walnuts and pecans are ideal for winter flavor.
Can I use a different vinegar?
Yes, white wine vinegar works well.
Does this salad pair well with heavy mains?
Yes, it complements rich holiday dishes perfectly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales easily for larger gatherings.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes, especially when onion is used lightly.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
Yes, with added protein or grains.
Conclusion
Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a fresh, elegant addition to any holiday table. With its festive colors, balanced flavors, and crisp textures, it offers a welcome contrast to rich seasonal dishes and brings lightness, beauty, and flavor to Christmas and winter celebrations.
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