Description
This Christmas Salad That Steals the Show is a festive, colorful mix of greens, juicy pears, crisp apples, tart cranberries, candied pecans, and creamy goat cheese — all tossed in a bright, sweet-tangy maple vinaigrette. It’s fresh, elegant, and perfect for holiday dinners.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (spring mix, spinach, or arugula)
- 1 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady)
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate arils
- 1/2 cup candied pecans (or regular chopped pecans)
- 1/3 cup goat cheese or feta, crumbled
- For the Maple Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, add mixed greens, sliced apples, sliced pear, dried cranberries (or pomegranate arils), and candied pecans.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle goat cheese or feta over the top.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle with maple vinaigrette right before serving and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavors.
Notes
- Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a heartier version.
- Blue cheese can replace goat cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Use fresh cranberries sautéed in a little sugar and butter for extra brightness.
- Keep dressing separate until serving to avoid wilting.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American