Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing – Easy Holiday Side Dish Recipe
Winter Christmas salad with honey mustard dressing is the perfect festive side dish! Crisp greens, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a tangy-sweet honey mustard dressing come together for a colorful, flavorful salad that brightens up any holiday table. Ideal for Christmas dinners, holiday parties, or cozy winter gatherings.
Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed winter greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 oranges, segmented
- 1 pear or apple, thinly sliced
- ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans (maple-roasted optional)
- ½ cup crumbled feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese
Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Greens: Wash and dry thoroughly.
- Slice Fruits: Segment oranges, slice pear or apple, and collect pomegranate seeds.
- Toast Nuts: Lightly toast walnuts or pecans in a skillet until fragrant.
- Make Dressing: Whisk honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and vinegar until emulsified. Season to taste.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine greens, fruits, and nuts.
- Dress & Garnish: Toss gently with dressing just before serving. Top with crumbled cheese.
- Serve: Present as a festive starter or side dish.
Notes
- Add roasted root vegetables (beets, carrots) for heartiness.
- Swap nuts for candied pumpkin seeds.
- Try cranberry vinaigrette instead of honey mustard.
- Add grains like quinoa or farro for a main-course salad.
- Serve in mini cups for party appetizers.
- Dressing doubles as a marinade for proteins.