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Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
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This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a vibrant and festive holiday side dish combining crisp mixed greens, sweet dried cranberries, toasted nuts, fresh apple or pear slices, and creamy cheese. Tossed in a tangy homemade honey mustard dressing, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors ideal for any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, romaine)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • 1 medium apple or pear, thinly sliced

Honey Mustard Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Greens: Thoroughly wash and dry the mixed greens using a salad spinner or patting with a clean towel to ensure they are crisp and fresh.
  2. Toast the Nuts: Place pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Slice the Fruit: Wash and thinly slice the apple or pear into uniform pieces to ensure balanced texture and sweetness in every bite.
  4. Make the Honey Mustard Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Slowly add olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, sliced fruit, and crumbled cheese. Toss gently to mix without breaking the fruit slices.
  6. Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat the ingredients evenly while keeping the greens fresh and crunchy.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp greens for the best texture and flavor.
  • Add dressing gradually to avoid sogginess, ensuring the salad is perfectly coated.
  • Toast nuts evenly by stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  • Keep salad ingredients separate until serving to maintain freshness.
  • Adjust sweetness of dressing by adding more honey if desired, balancing with the vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas salad, holiday side dish, honey mustard dressing, festive salad, winter greens, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, apple salad, pear salad

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/christmas-salad-with-honey-mustard-dressing/