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Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring greens, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and a luscious honey mustard dressing, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens Opt for organic for the best flavor and nutrition.
  • 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds Adds a burst of color and sweetness.
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries or dried cranberries If using dried, watch for added sugar.
  • 1 medium apple, thinly sliced Choose a variety that suits your taste, sweet or tart!
  • ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts Store-bought is fine, but homemade is even better.
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese Optional, adds a creamy tang.
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced Optional, brightens the flavor profile.
Dressing Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons honey Use raw honey for a more robust flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Look for whole-grain for added texture.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar A touch of acidity works wonders.
  • ¼ cup olive oil A high-quality extra virgin olive oil gives richness.
  • to taste salt and pepper Essential for seasoning!

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse your greens thoroughly under running water and dry them in a salad spinner.
  2. Slice the apple thinly, removing the core, and soak in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. If using, thinly slice the red onion and set it aside.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
  2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, sliced apple, red onion, and candied nuts.
  2. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Toss gently to combine.
  3. Add crumbled feta cheese on top if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, let the ingredients rest at room temperature. Toast the nuts to deepen their flavor. Avoid overdressing the salad; serve extra dressing on the side.