Description
Festive holiday “Christmas Salad” brings colorful winter cheer to seasonal gatherings. Crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and elegant garnishes create a delightful centerpiece perfect for celebrating with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Greens and Fruits:
- 6 cups (200 g) mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1 cup (150 g) pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh orange segments (or mandarin slices)
- ½ cup (75 g) dried cranberries
Nuts and Cheese:
- ½ cup (50 g) candied pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup (50 g) crumbled feta or goat cheese
Dressing:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, golden honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and cracked pepper in a compact container until the mixture transforms into a harmonious emulsion.
- Select a spacious serving vessel and artfully arrange a lush bed of mixed greens as the foundation for this festive creation.
- Generously scatter ruby-like pomegranate seeds across the verdant landscape of greens, creating bursts of jewel-toned color.
- Delicately nestle bright orange segments throughout the salad, ensuring an even distribution of citrusy freshness.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries to introduce a tangy-sweet element that complements the other ingredients.
- Distribute candied pecans strategically, providing a delightful crunch and caramelized undertone to the composition.
- Crumble cheese across the surface, allowing its creamy texture to contrast with the crisp components.
- Just before presenting the dish, drizzle the prepared vinaigrette sparingly, gently tossing to ensure each ingredient is lovingly coated.
- Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s vibrant textures and prevent wilting, presenting a stunning holiday starter or elegant side dish.
Notes
- Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-blended flavor that coats each ingredient evenly.
- Prep pomegranate seeds and orange segments just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and fresh texture.
- Toast pecans lightly before candying to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the salad.
- Customize the salad by swapping cheese for vegan alternatives like nutritional yeast or plant-based crumbles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg