Description
A festive and refreshing Christmas Salad featuring baby spinach, fresh pomegranate seeds, cranberries, apple slices, and candied nuts, all tossed in a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing. Perfect as a light holiday appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried)
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
- ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
Honey Mustard Dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the greens: Wash and thoroughly drain the baby spinach or mixed greens, then place them in a large mixing bowl to serve as the base of the salad.
- Add the fruits and nuts: Incorporate fresh pomegranate seeds, cranberries, thinly sliced apple, and candied pecans or walnuts into the bowl with the greens evenly distributing them.
- Make the dressing: In a small separate bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth, emulsified dressing.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared honey mustard dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to coat all components evenly without bruising the delicate greens.
- Serve fresh: Serve the salad immediately to maintain the crispness and freshness of the ingredients for the best eating experience.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart taste or opt for dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable.
- To make candied nuts at home, caramelize nuts with sugar and a pinch of salt over medium heat until shiny and toasted.
- Adjust honey in the dressing to taste if you prefer it sweeter or more tangy.
- This salad is best served immediately to avoid sogginess.
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup.
