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

This festive salad combines fresh greens, juicy pomegranate, apples, and candied nuts, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing. It’s the perfect side for holiday meals or elegant gatherings.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
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 your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Toss the walnuts and pumpkin seeds with honey (or maple syrup), chipotle chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
  • Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the nuts are golden and toasted.
  • Remove from the oven and spread the nuts in a single layer. Sprinkle with flaky salt and set aside to cool.

Assemble the Salad

  • In a large salad bowl, add the 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 to taste.
  • Shake well until the dressing is emulsified.

Serve

  • Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad. Gently toss to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Cheese Choices: Blue cheese, goat cheese, or feta all complement the salad beautifully.
Make Ahead: Prepare the nuts and dressing in advance for easier assembly.
Fruit Variations: Use dried cranberries or persimmons for a seasonal twist.