Ah, the holidays! There’s something so special about gathering around the table with family and friends, and that’s where my love for salads really shines. *Christmas salad recipes* are the perfect way to add a splash of color and a burst of freshness to our festive feasts. I still remember my grandmother’s vibrant salads, piled high with greens and topped with bright cranberries. They always seemed to brighten up the table and everyone’s spirits! Trust me, having a refreshing salad alongside the rich holiday dishes not only balances the meal but also makes it feel extra special. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that I know you’ll love!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups mixed greens (I like a mix of spinach and arugula for some peppery flavor)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (they add such a pop of color and sweetness!)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced (for that refreshing crunch – so good!)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced (it gives a nice zing, but you can adjust based on your taste)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (the creaminess pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (for a delightful nutty texture)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (these little guys add a festive sweetness)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (my go-to for a perfect tangy finish)
How to Prepare Instructions
- Start by grabbing a large bowl and toss in the 4 cups of mixed greens. I usually go for a mix of spinach and arugula for some extra flavor!
- Next, add the 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and the 1 cup of diced cucumber right on top of those greens. The colors are just gorgeous!
- Now, sprinkle in the 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, feel free to use less.
- Time to add some creaminess! Crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese over the salad, followed by the 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts for that lovely crunch.
- Lastly, toss in the 1/4 cup of dried cranberries – they’re like little bursts of joy!
- Drizzle the 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette over everything. Then, gently toss the salad to combine all those amazing flavors.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes!
- Festive colors that brighten up any holiday table.
- Fresh and healthy, balancing out heavier holiday dishes.
- Customizable ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for meal prep—make it ahead for stress-free entertaining!
Tips for Success
To make this salad truly yours, don’t hesitate to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences! If you love a little sweetness, throw in some apple slices or even a handful of pomegranate seeds. You can also swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch. If you’re prepping in advance, mix everything except the dressing and store it in the fridge. Just add the balsamic vinaigrette right before serving for that fresh flavor! Enjoy the creativity!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of this delightful salad. Keep in mind that these are all estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 6g
This salad is not only delicious but also offers a nice balance of nutrients to complement your holiday feasting! Enjoy feeling good about what you’re eating during the festivities!
Serving Suggestions
This festive salad pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday dishes! Serve it alongside roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a delightful contrast. If you’re planning a buffet, try it with savory quiches or creamy pasta dishes to add that refreshing crunch. For drinks, consider a light white wine or sparkling cider to enhance the flavors. Honestly, this salad is so versatile, you can enjoy it with just about anything on your holiday table!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the salad ingredients a day in advance, just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, everything stays fresh and crunchy!
What can I substitute for feta cheese? If feta’s not your thing, try goat cheese for a similar tanginess or even fresh mozzarella for a milder flavor.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just remember that the greens may wilt a bit, but it’ll still taste great!
Can I add protein to this salad? You bet! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would be fantastic additions for a heartier meal.
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, all the ingredients here are gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the greens might get a little wilted, but the flavors will still be delicious! As for reheating, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so no need to warm it up. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to refresh those flavors!
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Christmas Salad Recipes to Brighten Your Holiday Feast
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and festive salad perfect for your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add feta cheese, walnuts, and cranberries to the bowl.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the ingredients based on your preferences.
- Make it a day ahead and add dressing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: christmas salad recipes
