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Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
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Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

This festive Christmas Salad is a perfect blend of fresh greens, juicy pomegranate arils, crisp apples or pears, creamy avocado, and crunchy candied nuts. Topped with crumbled blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese and drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing, it's an ideal dish for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Servings: 8
Calories: 511kcal

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 1½ cups raw walnuts
  • ½ cup shelled pumpkin seeds
  • ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 6 cups mixed greens
  • 2 cups frisée lettuce
  • 1-2 apples or pears chopped
  • 2 avocados sliced
  • 2 cups pomegranate arils
  • 1 cup crumbled blue cheese feta, or goat cheese

For the Dressing:

  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fig preserves
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chili flakes to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Candied Nuts
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Toss walnuts and pumpkin seeds with honey (or maple syrup), chipotle chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
  • Spread evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden and toasted.
  • Remove from oven, sprinkle with flaky salt, and let cool.
  • Assemble the Salad
  • In a large salad bowl, add mixed greens and frisée.
  • Top with chopped apples (or pears), sliced avocado, pomegranate arils, and crumbled cheese.
  • Sprinkle the cooled candied nuts over the salad.
  • Make the Dressing
  • In a glass jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), Dijon mustard, honey, fig preserves, orange zest, and orange juice.
  • Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
  • Shake well until the dressing is emulsified.
  • Serve
  • Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad.
  • Gently toss to combine and serve immediately.
  • Notes
  • Cheese Options: Blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese all work beautifully—choose based on preference.
  • Make Ahead: The dressing, candied nuts, and salad ingredients can be prepped in advance. Assemble and dress just before serving.
  • Nut-Free Version: Replace walnuts with additional pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
  • Fruit Variations: Swap apples or pears for persimmons or dried cranberries for a seasonal twist.