Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is colorful, fresh, and perfectly balanced. It complements rich holiday dishes, looks beautiful on the table, and comes together quickly with minimal effort.
Christmas Salad That Steals the Show: Festive, Fresh, and Unforgettable
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A stunning Christmas salad packed with vibrant winter produce, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and a bright homemade dressing—guaranteed to be the star of the holiday table.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 1 crisp pear or apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted pecans or walnuts
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, add mixed greens as the base.
- Arrange sliced pear or apple, pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, and nuts evenly over the greens.
- Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or feta on top.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add roasted butternut squash for extra heartiness.
- Dress the salad at the last minute to keep greens crisp.
- Can be made vegan by omitting cheese.
- 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 form the base of the salad. Greens such as baby spinach, arugula, or kale provide freshness and structure.
Pomegranate seeds add festive color, gentle tartness, and juicy bursts of flavor.
Apple slices bring crisp sweetness and contrast beautifully with the greens.
Pear slices add soft texture and subtle floral sweetness.
Roasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts provide crunch and warmth, making the salad feel seasonal.
Crumbled cheese adds creaminess and depth, balancing the sweetness of the fruit.
Red onion contributes sharpness and savory contrast.
Dried cranberries enhance sweetness and reinforce the holiday theme.
Olive oil forms the smooth base of the dressing.
Honey adds gentle sweetness that ties the salad together.
Dijon mustard brings tang and depth to the dressing.
Apple cider vinegar adds brightness and balance.
Salt enhances all flavors.
Black pepper adds subtle warmth.
Directions
Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the mixed greens. Place them in a large serving bowl or platter. Arrange the apple slices, pear slices, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, roasted nuts, red onion, and crumbled cheese evenly over the greens. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for best texture and appearance.
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 6 people as a side dish. 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. Assemble and dress just before serving. Reheating is not required.
Variations and Customizations
Protein-packed salad
Add grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or prosciutto.
Citrus holiday version
Include orange or mandarin segments for brightness.
Grain-enhanced style
Add cooked farro or quinoa for a heartier salad.
Nut-free option
Replace nuts with toasted seeds for crunch.
Vegan-friendly version
Omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving.
What greens work best?
Spinach, arugula, kale, or a mixed blend work well.
Is this salad sweet?
It is balanced, with gentle sweetness and savory contrast.
What cheese pairs best?
Mild or tangy cheeses work especially well.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales easily for large gatherings.
Does this pair well with heavy mains?
Yes, it balances rich holiday dishes perfectly.
Can I make the dressing ahead?
Yes, store it chilled for up to three days.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes, especially if onion is used lightly.
Can I serve this as a main?
Yes, with added protein or grains.
Does it travel well?
Yes, transport ingredients separately and assemble on arrival.
Conclusion
Christmas Salad That Steals the Show is a festive, elegant dish that brings freshness, color, and balance to the holiday table. With its vibrant ingredients and harmonious flavors, it proves that a salad can be just as memorable as the main course, making it an essential part of any Christmas celebration.
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