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Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

A vibrant holiday salad featuring fresh greens, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and a delightful homemade honey mustard dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens Fresh greens provide a tender base.
  • 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds For color and a burst of sweetness.
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries or dried cranberries Fresh cranberries offer tang, while dried provide a chewy sweetness.
  • 1 medium apple, thinly sliced Use Gala or Granny Smith for a sweet crunch.
  • ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts Adds texture and sweetness.
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) Adds creaminess and savory depth.
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional) Soak in water for 10 minutes to tame the sharpness.
Honey Mustard Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons honey Use raw honey for an intense flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard The key flavor base.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar A touch of acidity balances the sweetness.
  • ¼ cup olive oil Good quality extra-virgin olive oil enhances the taste.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Essential for seasoning.

Method
 

Prepare the Salad
  1. Thoroughly wash the baby spinach and mixed greens. Use a salad spinner to dry them.
  2. Thinly slice the apple and red onion. Rinse fresh cranberries well.
Make the Honey Mustard Dressing
  1. In a bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
  2. Whisk together until smooth, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Alternatively, add all the dressing ingredients to a jar, screw on the lid, and shake vigorously.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine the dried greens, sliced apple, cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and red onion.
  2. Drizzle with honey mustard dressing and toss gently to combine.
  3. Top with candied pecans or walnuts and feta cheese if using.
  4. Serve immediately for the freshest taste!

Notes

Store salad and dressing separately to prevent sogginess. Make components in advance for the freshest salad.