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Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
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A vibrant and tangy Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing that combines fresh mixed greens, crisp red apples, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and creamy cheese crumbles. This festive and colorful salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, making it a refreshing and healthy side dish ideal for holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
  • 2 medium crunchy red apples, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup feta or goat cheese crumbles
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Honey Mustard Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Greens and Fruits: Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens to prevent sogginess. Core and thinly slice the red apples. Set aside the dried cranberries and thinly sliced red onion for assembly.
  2. Toast the Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast pecans or walnuts for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Make the Honey Mustard Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the greens with sliced apples, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and red onion. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle feta or goat cheese crumbles over the top of the salad just before serving to add creamy bursts of flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

Notes

  • Use fresh produce for the best flavor and crispness.
  • Toast nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy and flavorful.
  • Drizzle dressing gradually to avoid overpowering the salad or making it soggy.
  • Adjust the balance of honey and vinegar in the dressing to suit your taste.
  • Keep greens and fruits chilled before serving for a refreshing bite.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas salad, honey mustard dressing, holiday salad, festive salad, healthy holiday side, mixed greens salad, holiday side dish

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