Description
This festive Christmas Salad is a vibrant mix of crisp apples, juicy pomegranate arils, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a light and zesty dressing. Perfect as a holiday side dish, it pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or ham. The combination of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors, along with a medley of textures, makes this salad the star of your Christmas table. Plus, it’s quick to make, healthy, and visually stunning with its bright red and green hues—a feast for the eyes and the palate!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Salad:
- 2 medium red apples, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, layer the mixed greens, followed by the apple slices, pomegranate arils, and chopped nuts. Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top, if using. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified. - Assemble the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. - Serve & Enjoy:
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with extra pomegranate arils or nuts for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday cheer!
Notes
- For added crunch, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Substitute apples with pears for a softer texture and unique flavor.
- Vegan option: Omit the cheese and replace honey with maple syrup in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas salad, apple pomegranate salad, holiday salad, festive side dish, healthy Christmas recipe