why make this recipe
This salad is bright, fresh, and festive. It mixes sweet pomegranate seeds with salty feta and crunchy nuts. The honey mustard dressing is soft and sweet. This salad works well for holiday meals or any cold-weather table.
introduction
This Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is quick to make and looks beautiful. It uses common salad ingredients and a simple dressing. If you like honey-mustard flavors, try the Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice for a matching main dish.
how to make Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Follow the simple steps below. The salad comes together fast. Toss everything and serve right away.
Ingredients :
- mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- cherry tomatoes, halved
- cucumbers, sliced
- red onion, thinly sliced
- pomegranate seeds
- feta cheese, crumbled
- walnuts or pecans, toasted
- honey
- Dijon mustard
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and walnuts or pecans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your festive holiday salad!
how to serve Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Serve this salad right after you toss it so the greens stay crisp. Place it beside roast chicken, ham, or a grain dish. You can also serve it in small bowls as a starter.
how to store Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Store any leftover salad and dressing separately. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 day. Keep the dressing in a jar for up to 4 days. Toss just before serving.
tips to make Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
- Toast the nuts for extra flavor.
- Pat cucumber dry so the salad is not watery.
- Add dressing little by little to avoid overdressing.
- Use fresh pomegranate seeds for bright color and taste.
variation (if any)
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier taste.
- Swap walnuts for sliced almonds or pistachios.
- Add orange segments for more citrus sweetness.
- Make it vegan by leaving out the cheese and using maple syrup instead of honey.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the dressing up to 4 days ahead and store it in the fridge.
Q: Can I use other greens?
A: Yes. Use any salad greens you like, such as kale or mixed baby greens.
Q: How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
A: Keep the dressing separate and toss the salad right before serving.
Q: Can I add protein to this salad?
A: Yes. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work well.
Q: Are pomegranate seeds necessary?
A: They add festive color and sweetness, but you can skip them if you don’t have any.
Conclusion
For a similar holiday idea and more inspiration, you can view a full recipe for a festive salad on Half Baked Harvest: Half Baked Harvest’s Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.