Make this a fresh and vibrant Christmas time at your holiday table with beautiful, colored salads. Whether you prepare a feast for a crowd or a cozy family meal, just the right salad can even out the hearty main dishes and add a refreshing and festive touch.
Here are 5-star Christmas salad recipes that are quick to make but sure to impress even the toughest food critics around your holiday table.
5 Star Christmas Salad Recipes
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Salad Spinner
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Vegetable Peeler
- Small Whish or Fork
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater or Microplane
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1¼ cups orange or tangerines
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ½ cup toasted walnuts
- ½ cup Feta cheese crumbled
For The Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp onion chopped
- salt and pepper ( to taste )
Classic Winter Pomegranate & Walnut Salad
This salad brings together pomegranate seeds, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts in a rich, tangy taste. Colorful, full of nutrients, and fast to prepare, this salad is among the favorite Christmas salad recipes. Moreover, pomegranate seeds add that touch of red to make it perfect during holiday seasons.
How Do You Make Christmas Salad?
This salad starts with small oranges, tangerines, or clementines-peeled and in a bowl of mixed greens with feta cheese, candied pecans, and pomegranate seeds. Make a homemade dressing with just a few ingredients, then pour it over the salad and toss together. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Christmas Salad Recipes Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s what you’ll need
Step 1.
- Get the ingredients ready: Give the mixed greens a good rinse and pat them dry (or use a salad spinner if you have one—it’ll make the leaves nice and crisp). Thinly slice the red onion into rings and set it aside.
Step 2.
- Toast the walnuts: Heat a small pan over medium heat, add the walnuts, and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and fragrant. Then take them off the heat.
Step 3.
- Prep the salad by layering: mixed spring greens in a large bowl, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, red onion, and toasted walnuts.
Step 4.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Step 5.
- Toss and serve: Dress the salad by slowly pouring the dressing over. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Best served immediately for flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Salad Recipe
To present these festive salads, an extra touch can make your plates look as beautiful as they taste. Here are beautiful ways to serve salads, whether it’s a lavish Christmas feast or a cozy holiday meal.
Pomegranate & Walnut Winter Salad
- Presentation suggestion: Arrange vibrant greens, ruby-red pomegranate seeds, and crumbled feta in a large, shallow salad bowl. Sprinkle a few extra pomegranate seeds and walnuts on top for a festive finale.
- Serving suggestion: Serve with crusty bread and a light dressing on the side, so guests can take a little more if they want.
Tips for Cooking Christmas Salad
Creating a five-star salad for Christmas isn’t just about gathering the best ingredients, but about ensuring the best flavors and textures to liven up your holiday table. Here are some expert tips to help you whip up a festive salad that’s memorable.
Use The Freshest Ingredients
- Seasonal winter produce: Pomegranates, citrus, and butternut squash are at their peak during winter. They have lots of flavor and will help bring some beautiful, festive colors to your salad.
- Crunchy greens: Look for fresh, vibrant greens like arugula, spinach or kale. A salad spinner keeps them crisp and dry. Damp greens can turn your salad soggy and water down the dressing.
- Bring out the best in nuts: Toasting nuts like walnuts or pecans helps bring out their natural flavor, giving a warm, nutty depth. Simply heat a pan over medium heat, add the nuts, and stir occasionally until they’re golden and fragrant—usually 2-3 minutes.
Storage for Christmas Salad Recipes
- Keep Greens Crisp: Use a salad spinner or a towel to pat your greens dry after washing. Then, to absorb extra moisture, place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. This keeps the greens from withering and keeps them crisp.
- Cut Up veggies in Advance: You can pre-chop nutritious vegetables like celery, pomegranates, oranges, and carrots. Store them in separate, sealed containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble them.
Conclusion
Adding a 5 star Christmas salad recipes to your menu is a fantastic way to bring in fresh, flavorful ingredients while creating a beautiful presentation for your table. From creamy cranberry and apple salad to a festive take on the Caprese classic, each of these recipes is a simple yet stunning way to celebrate the season. Try one or all of these salads, and make your Christmas meal even more memorable!
Nutrition
Total Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 193mg | Total Carbohydrate: 16g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Total Sugars: 13g | Protein: 3g | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 1mg | Potassium: 117mg
FAQ
What type of salad is best for a Christmas meal?
Traditional Christmas salads often incorporate seasonal ingredients like cranberries, pomegranate, squash, and citrus fruits for a festive, colorful appearance and fresh flavor.
Can I make these salads ahead of time?
Yes! Most of these salads can be prepared in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Can these salads be served as main dishes?
Many can! Adding protein like chicken or chickpeas can transform these salads into hearty, satisfying mains.
What dressings work best for holiday salads?
Simple dressings with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey work well with holiday salads, balancing sweetness and tanginess without overpowering the flavors.