Christmas Salad !

 A vibrant, festive salad that combines sweet, tart, and savory flavors with a gorgeous pop of color. Featuring crisp greens, fresh fruit, tangy cheese, candied nuts, and a simple homemade dressing, it’s the perfect fresh complement to any holiday meal.

Serves: 6–8 as a side
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 cups mixed hearty greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)

• 1 large Honeycrisp or Gala apple, thinly sliced

• 1 cup pomegranate seeds

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts

• ¾ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

• Optional: ½ cup sliced pears or mandarin orange segments

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ¼ tsp fine sea salt

• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Make the Dressing

Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Whisk vigorously or shake until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.

2. Prepare & Assemble the Salad

In a very large serving bowl, add the mixed greens. Layer the sliced apples, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, and candied nuts on top.
Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled cheese evenly over the salad.

3. Dress and Serve

Drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad (you may not need all of it). Gently toss to combine everything evenly, taking care not to crush the delicate ingredients.
Transfer to individual plates or serve immediately from the bowl. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of pomegranate seeds or nuts for a festive presentation.

Tips for Success

• Prep Ahead: Prepare the dressing, wash and dry the greens, slice the fruit, and measure all toppings up to a day in advance. Store each component separately in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to keep everything crisp.

• Prevent Browning: Toss the apple slices with a teaspoon of lemon juice to keep them bright if prepping in advance.

• Customize: Add sliced red onion, avocado, or roasted squash for extra flavor and texture. Swap the nuts for toasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.

This colorful, fresh salad is the perfect balance to rich holiday dishes and adds a beautiful touch to your festive table.