Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is colorful, elegant, and packed with contrasting textures and flavors. It pairs beautifully with rich holiday mains, comes together quickly, and can be prepped in advance, making it ideal for entertaining.
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Christmas Salad That Steals the Show – Fresh, Festive
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant Christmas salad that steals the show with crisp greens, sweet pomegranate, juicy pears, crunchy nuts, and a festive maple vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add salad greens to a large serving bowl.
- Arrange pear slices, pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, nuts, and cheese evenly over the greens.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken for a heartier salad.
- Assemble ingredients ahead, but dress just before serving.
- Apple slices can be substituted for pears.
- 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 greens or arugula
Create a fresh, slightly peppery base that supports bold toppings.
Baby spinach
Adds tenderness and mild flavor.
Pomegranate seeds
Bring bright color, sweetness, and festive crunch.
Dried cranberries
Add chewy texture and tangy sweetness.
Apple slices or pear slices
Provide crisp freshness and natural sweetness.
Feta cheese or goat cheese
Add creamy contrast and slight tang.
Candied pecans or walnuts
Deliver crunch and warm sweetness.
Red onion
Adds mild sharpness and depth.
Olive oil
Forms the base of the dressing.
Balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Adds acidity and balance.
Honey or maple syrup
Brings gentle sweetness to the dressing.
Dijon mustard
Adds structure and subtle sharpness to the dressing.
Salt
Enhances all flavors.
Black pepper
Adds gentle warmth and balance.
Directions
Begin by washing and thoroughly drying all greens. Arrange the mixed greens and spinach in a large serving bowl or platter. Evenly scatter apple or pear slices across the greens, followed by pomegranate seeds and dried cranberries.
Sprinkle feta or goat cheese over the salad, then add the red onion and candied nuts. Keep the ingredients evenly distributed to ensure every serving has a bit of everything.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and emulsified. Drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad just before serving, tossing gently to coat without wilting the greens.
Equipment needed
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.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: about 15 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Dress the salad only just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness. This salad does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Winter Citrus Salad
Add orange or mandarin segments for brightness.
Roasted Vegetable Christmas Salad
Add roasted squash or Brussels sprouts.
Protein-Packed Salad
Add grilled chicken or roasted turkey slices.
Nut-Free Version
Use toasted seeds instead of nuts.
Cheese-Free Option
Omit cheese and add avocado for creaminess.
Cranberry Orange Dressing
Replace vinegar with cranberry juice and orange zest.
Warm Grain Addition
Add quinoa or farro for heartiness.
Maple Dijon Dressing
Increase maple syrup for deeper sweetness.
Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Swap cheese for blue cheese crumbles.
Make-It-Ahead Party Style
Arrange everything on a platter and serve dressing on the side.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients in advance and assemble before serving.
What greens work best?
Arugula, spinach, or spring mix all work well.
Is this salad sweet?
It is balanced, not overly sweet.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are very tart; dried work best.
What dressing pairs best?
Balsamic-based dressings are ideal.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, omit cheese and use maple syrup.
Does this pair well with heavy mains?
Yes, it balances rich dishes perfectly.
Can kids enjoy this salad?
Yes, especially with sweet fruit and nuts.
How do I keep apples from browning?
Toss lightly with lemon juice before adding.
Is this good for Christmas dinner?
Absolutely, it is festive and elegant.
Conclusion
Christmas Salad That Steals the Show is proof that a salad can be just as exciting and memorable as any holiday main dish. With vibrant colors, crisp textures, and perfectly balanced flavors, it brings freshness and beauty to your festive table. Easy to prepare yet stunning to serve, this salad is guaranteed to become a holiday favorite you will return to year after year.
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