It warms my heart to share recipes that become cherished family traditions. This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is exactly that – a vibrant, flavorful dish that graces our holiday table year after year. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients brought together by a tangy-sweet honey mustard dressing. The beauty of this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing lies in its simplicity and the joy it brings to our family meals.

My journey with this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing started with a simple desire to add something fresh and bright to our traditionally heavy holiday spread. I wanted a dish that would cut through the richness of the main courses and offer a refreshing contrast. Through a little experimentation and a lot of love, this recipe was born, and it quickly became a family favorite.

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing creates a special connection through its authentic flavors. The combination of sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and the zesty honey mustard vinaigrette is simply irresistible. I’m excited to share this recipe with you, fellow flavor seekers, hoping it brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. Let’s embark on this delicious kitchen adventure together!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

5 ounces mixed salad greens: For the freshest flavor in your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing, I recommend using a blend of baby spinach, romaine, and kale.
1 cup fresh cranberries: You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing at your local farmers market or well-stocked grocery store.
1 cup walnuts: Toasted walnuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor to this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices.
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Red onion adds a lovely sharpness that balances the sweetness of the cranberries in this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.
For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides a rich, fruity base for the honey mustard vinaigrette.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Use raw, unfiltered honey for the most authentic flavor in this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar brings a bright acidity that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the overall flavor of the honey mustard dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth to the dressing.

Trust me, this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors! This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing reminds me of another family favorite, Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits. Learn more about Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits.

Ingredients for Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing including mixed greens, cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese, and red onion, along with honey mustard dressing ingredients.

Let’s Create This Together!

Prepare the Honey Mustard Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra warmth to the honey mustard vinaigrette.
Toast the Walnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them closely, as they can burn easily. This simple step will elevate the nutty flavor of the walnuts in your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, fresh cranberries, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. This colorful combination creates a visually appealing and flavorful base for your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.
Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as this can make it soggy. I always start with a little dressing and add more as needed.
Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing immediately after dressing. This will prevent the greens from wilting and ensure that the walnuts remain crunchy.

In my kitchen, this flavorful Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing typically takes about 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation! Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing – learn from my experience! It’s important to taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter dressing, while others prefer a more tangy one. Feel free to add more honey or apple cider vinegar to suit your taste.

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now. Don’t be surprised if your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing develops a beautiful, vibrant color as the cranberries release their juices. While your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family! This winter salad idea is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for bringing to any gathering.

How We Love to Enjoy This!

Our family loves to enjoy this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing as a refreshing side dish to our holiday meals. It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian main course. The bright flavors of the salad cut through the richness of the other dishes, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing reminds me of another delicious soup: Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo.

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying! For a heartier salad, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp. This turns it into a complete meal that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

When I’m feeling extra creative, I like to use this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing as a topping for crostini. Simply toast slices of baguette, spread them with goat cheese, and top with the salad. This makes a delicious and elegant appetizer that’s perfect for holiday parties. The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing appears with our favorite holiday bread.

Leftover Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the greens may wilt slightly over time. To prevent this, I recommend storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. I found inspiration for this festive salad dressing from Simple winter salad I whipped up: greens with pomegranate, red ….

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Does this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing really satisfy hearty appetites?

Absolutely! While it’s a salad, the combination of greens, cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese provides a good amount of fiber, healthy fats, and protein. For a heartier meal, you can always add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing?

No problem! You can easily adjust the intensity of the flavors by using less red onion or omitting it altogether. You can also reduce the amount of Dijon mustard in the dressing or substitute it with a milder yellow mustard.

How can I prepare this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing ahead for busy weeks?

You can definitely prep some of the ingredients in advance. Toast the walnuts and make the honey mustard dressing a day or two ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to assemble the salad, simply combine the ingredients and dress just before serving.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh cranberries in this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing?

While fresh cranberries are ideal for their bright, tart flavor and juicy texture, you can use dried cranberries if fresh cranberries are not available. However, keep in mind that dried cranberries are often sweeter than fresh cranberries, so you may want to reduce the amount of honey in the dressing to balance the sweetness.

Is there a substitute for feta cheese in this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing?

Yes, you can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shaved Parmesan cheese. Each of these cheeses will add a different flavor profile to the salad, so choose the one that best suits your taste preferences.

What other greens can I use in this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing besides mixed salad greens?

You can use a variety of greens in this salad, such as baby spinach, romaine lettuce, kale, arugula, or even radicchio. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite blend. My family loves when I add a touch of arugula to our Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.

How long will the honey mustard dressing last in the refrigerator?

The honey mustard dressing will last for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to shake or whisk it well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time. Does this honey mustard vinaigrette remind anyone else of Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing by Half Baked Harvest?

Final Kitchen Wisdom:

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing supports my family’s authentic meal goals by providing a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious dish that complements our holiday celebrations. It’s a simple yet satisfying salad that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

My Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Flavor Secrets:

Toast the walnuts: Toasting the walnuts brings out their nutty flavor and adds a wonderful crunch to the salad.
Use fresh, seasonal ingredients: Fresh cranberries and high-quality greens make a big difference in the overall flavor and texture of the salad.
Don’t overdress the salad: Overdressing the salad can make it soggy. Start with a little dressing and add more as needed.

Family-Tested Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Variations:

Add grilled chicken or shrimp: For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese: Goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs well with the cranberries and walnuts.
Add pomegranate seeds: Pomegranate seeds add a burst of sweetness and a festive touch to the salad.

My daughter loves the version with goat cheese, while my son prefers the one with grilled chicken. I encourage you to make this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing your signature version by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to find what your family loves best. If your family loves these authentic flavors, they’ll appreciate Hot Honey Mozzarella Eggs.

I hope you enjoy making this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing as much as I do. May it bring joy, flavor, and connection to your family meals! For more genuine cooking ideas for family meals, explore Christmas Salad – Julia’s Album. Remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love. Happy cooking, fellow flavor seekers!

Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Print Recipe

This vibrant Christmas salad is packed with festive flavors and textures, tossed in a tangy honey mustard dressing. It’s the perfect colorful addition to your holiday table!

Author: Savannah Rose
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, kale, and arugula)
1 cup pomegranate arils
1 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/2 cup candied pecans
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, pomegranate arils, goat cheese, candied pecans, dried cranberries, and red onion.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Pour the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately or chill for later.

Notes

For an extra festive touch, add some segments of oranges or mandarin oranges to the salad. You can also substitute walnuts or almonds for the candied pecans.