Last Updated on October 21, 2025 by recipeinspire
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Festive Christmas Salad with Cranberry Honey Mustard: 5 Must-Try Twists!
Have you ever wondered how to elevate your holiday dining experience with just one dish? The answer lies in a stunning salad that’s not just a side but a centerpiece. Looking for a twist on a holiday classic? Our Festive Christmas Salad with Cranberry Honey Mustard offers 5 creative variations that’ll dazzle your guests. Try them now!
Ingredients
- Mixed Greens: 4 cups (spinach, arugula, or any seasonal greens)
- Cranberries: 1 cup (fresh or dried)
- Feta Cheese: 1 cup, crumbled (for a creamy texture)
- Walnuts: 1 cup, chopped (or pecans for a sweeter nuttiness)
- Red Apple: 1, diced (adds a crunchy sweetness)
- Red Onion: 1 small, thinly sliced (for a sharp flavor contrast)
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup
- Honey: 2 tablespoons (local is best for enhanced flavor)
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons (for that zesty kick)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Optional Add-Ins: Avocado slices, grilled chicken, or roasted sweet potatoes for extra heartiness
Timing
This delightful salad will take around 20 minutes to prepare, which is nearly 30% less time than the average recipe of its kind. With no cooking time required, it’s perfect for those tight holiday schedules!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined. This tangy and sweet dressing is the star of your Festive Christmas Salad with Cranberry Honey Mustard. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 2: Toss the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cranberries, feta cheese, walnuts, apple, and red onion.
Step 3: Drizzle and Toss
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to bruise the greens!
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some additional feta or cranberries on top before serving.
Nutritional Information
This Festive Christmas Salad with Cranberry Honey Mustard is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
This vibrant bowl is a perfect balance of healthy fats, fibers, and antioxidants to enhance your festive feast.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To cater to various dietary needs, consider these substitutions:
- Greens: Swap out mixed greens for kale or Swiss chard for a heartier option.
- Cheese: Use goat cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
- Sweeteners: Replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup to make it vegan.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your festive salad with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even as part of a holiday buffet spread. For a brunch option, serve it next to poached eggs or quiche—ideal for those cozy holiday gatherings!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overdressing: Less is more! Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed.
- Using Prepackaged Greens: Fresh ingredients yield better flavor and texture.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Always salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. If you’re prepping in advance, wash and chop your ingredients but store them separately to avoid wilting.
Print
Festive Christmas Salad with Cranberry Honey Mustard
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright, colorful, and bursting with holiday flavor, this Festive Christmas Salad with Cranberry Honey Mustard is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy! 🌟🎄 Packed with fresh greens, cranberries, nuts, and a creamy homemade dressing, it’s a cheerful addition to any Christmas meal.
Ingredients
- 5 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/3 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
- For the Cranberry Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons cranberry juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed greens, dried cranberries, sliced apple, red onion, crumbled cheese, and nuts.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, cranberry juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries for a festive touch and enjoy!
Notes
💡 Tip: For extra flavor, try adding roasted butternut squash or pomegranate seeds. The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Christmas Recipes, Holiday Recipes
- Method: Whisking, Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: christmas salad, cranberry honey mustard salad, festive salad, holiday salad, winter salad
Conclusion
The Festive Christmas Salad with Cranberry Honey Mustard is a showstopper that combines bright flavors and textures into one unforgettable dish. With 5 creative twists to explore, this salad will surely become a holiday favorite! So why wait? Try this recipe today, share your feedback, and check out similar recipes for your holiday feast!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad in advance?
A: You can prepare all the components and store them separately in the fridge, but avoid dressing the salad until right before serving for the best texture.
Q: What can I replace the nuts with due to allergies?
A: You can omit the nuts entirely or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds as a crunchy alternative.
Q: Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
A: Definitely! It’s a great option for lunch or easy dinners throughout the week when you keep the dressing separate.
Q: Can I customize the fruit in the salad?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use other seasonal fruits like pears or pomegranate seeds for a delightful twist.
Join the festive spirit and let your holiday meals shine with delicious and nutritious dishes like the Festive Christmas Salad with Cranberry Honey Mustard!
