Description
Christmas Salads: Find the best fresh, festive recipes for your holiday party. Easy to make ahead & perfect for any gathering!
Ingredients
- Salad Base:
- Mixed Greens (spring mix or baby spinach)
- Pomegranate Arils
- Crumbled Feta Cheese
- Crunchy Toppings:
- Toasted Pecans (or walnuts/almonds)
- Zesty Citrus Dressing:
- Fresh Orange Zest & Juice
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Maple Syrup
- Dijon Mustard
- Garnish & Finishing:
- Fresh Cranberries (optional)
- Fresh mint or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Greens:: First things first, get your mixed greens into a big, beautiful bowl. I always give them another rinse, even if they say pre-washed, just to be sure. Spin ’em dry, really dry, because a watery salad is nobody’s friend! This is where you set the stage for your vibrant Christmas Salads; make sure they’re fluffy and ready for their close-up. I’ve definitely skipped the salad spinner before, and ended up with soggy leaves. Learn from my mistakes, friend!
- Toast the Pecans:: Pop your pecans onto a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep an eye on them, honestly, because they go from perfectly golden to burnt in about 0.2 seconds. Stir them around for 3-5 minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly darker. Let them cool completely; this step is crucial for that satisfying crunch. I once burned a whole batch and had to run to the store for more, mid-party prep! Oops!
- Assemble the Salad Base:: Once your greens are dry and pecans are cool, it’s assembly time! Scatter those beautiful pomegranate arils over the greens. Add your toasted pecans and crumble the feta cheese generously. Don’t be shy with the feta; it’s a star in these festive Christmas Salads! I just love how the colors pop together, it’s like a festive explosion in the bowl.
- Whisk the Dressing:: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Taste it! Does it need a little more sweetness? A bit more tang? Adjust it to your liking. I’m always tweaking, honestly. This dressing is what ties all the lovely flavors of your Christmas Salads together.
- Dress and Toss:: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Don’t drown it, a light hand is key! Gently toss everything together. You want every leaf and every piece of fruit to get a little kiss of that zesty dressing. This step is a bit of an art; you want it coated, not swimming. I’ve definitely over-dressed a salad or two in my day, it’s a learning curve!
- Garnish and Serve:: Transfer your gorgeous salad to your fanciest serving bowl (or just a clean, pretty one!). Scatter a few extra whole cranberries and maybe a sprinkle of fresh mint or parsley for that extra festive touch. Stand back and admire your handiwork! It should look vibrant, fresh, and totally inviting. These Christmas Salads are ready to steal the show!