CHRISTMAS SALAD
This festive Christmas Salad combines fresh greens, tangy cranberries, sweet oranges, and candied pecans, topped with a light vinaigrette. It's a refreshing and vibrant salad perfect for holiday dinners or as a light, seasonal side dish.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed salad greens such as spinach, arugula, or baby kale
- ½ cup dried cranberries or fresh if in season
- 1 orange peeled and segmented
- ½ cup candied pecans or toasted pecans
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese optional
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, dried cranberries, orange segments, candied pecans, feta cheese (if using), and red onion.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, festive flavors!
Notes
- You can substitute the candied pecans with regular toasted pecans or other nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch.
- For a sweeter version, add a few slices of apple or pear to the salad.
- If you don’t like feta, goat cheese or blue cheese makes a great alternative.
- You can make the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese or use a non-dairy alternative.
- To make this salad even more colorful, add pomegranate seeds or red bell peppers for a festive pop of color.
- This salad pairs beautifully with roasted meats, holiday turkey, or a festive charcuterie board.