Oh, the joy of holiday salads at Christmas! There’s something so delightful about bringing a vibrant, colorful salad to the table during festive gatherings. This holiday salads Christmas recipe is not just a feast for the eyes, but it’s also packed with flavors and textures that everyone will love. Picture this: crisp mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy walnuts, and sweet dried cranberries all tossed together in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s like a bowl of cheer that brightens up your dinner table! Whether you’re serving it as a side or as the star of the show, this salad is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of freshness to your holiday meals. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this festive treat!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups mixed greens: I love using a blend of spinach, arugula, and romaine for a mix of textures and flavors.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These little gems add a burst of sweetness and color. Go for the brightest ones you can find!
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced: Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are a must for that satisfying crunch.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Just a touch of sharpness to balance out the sweetness—slice it thin so it doesn’t overpower.
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped: These add a lovely nutty flavor and nice crunch. Toast them lightly for an extra pop!
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Creamy and salty, feta brings everything together with its tangy goodness.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: The sweet-tart cranberries are like little festive jewels in your salad, adding color and flavor.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette: A homemade or store-bought vinaigrette works wonderfully here—just make sure it’s good quality for the best taste!
How to Prepare Holiday Salads Christmas
Getting this festive salad ready is a breeze, and trust me, the result will wow your guests! Let’s dive into the simple steps to make this colorful and delicious salad shine on your holiday table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. I like to use a salad spinner for this—it really helps get rid of all that excess water!
- In a large bowl, combine the washed greens with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Gently toss them together to mix the flavors without bruising the greens.
- Next, sprinkle the walnuts, feta cheese, and dried cranberries on top. The colors will start to pop, making it look super inviting!
- Now, it’s time to add the balsamic vinaigrette. Drizzle it over the salad but don’t go crazy! You want just enough to coat everything without drowning it.
- Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, taking care not to crush the greens. I usually do this with my hands for the best results.
- Serve immediately to keep everything fresh and vibrant. The flavors are at their best right after tossing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your holiday menu.
- Stunningly colorful presentation that will impress your guests and brighten up your table.
- Packed with healthy ingredients, this salad is a guilt-free indulgence during the festive season.
- Versatile enough to complement any main course, or enjoy it as a light, refreshing meal on its own.
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead of time and add the dressing just before serving!
Tips for Success
To ensure your holiday salad turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, prep your ingredients in advance. You can wash and chop the veggies a few hours ahead, just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to toss everything together. This way, you’ll save time when it’s go-time!
Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or even some avocado for a creamy twist. And if walnuts aren’t your thing, pecans or almonds work beautifully too! The key is to use what you love.
Lastly, if you’re serving this at a gathering, consider presenting it in a large, clear bowl to showcase those beautiful colors. Trust me, it’ll be a showstopper on your holiday table!
Nutritional Information
This festive salad is not only delicious but also a healthy option for your holiday gatherings! Each serving is approximately 150 calories, with 10g of fat, 4g of protein, and 12g of carbohydrates. It also contains 3g of fiber and 5g of sugar, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this holiday salad? I’m here to help! One common question is, Can I substitute the feta cheese? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of feta, try crumbled goat cheese or even some creamy avocado for a different twist. Another frequent query is about storage tips. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid soggy greens!
Lastly, a lot of folks wonder about serving suggestions. This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can stand alone as a light lunch. You can even add grilled chicken or shrimp on top for some extra protein. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This festive salad is truly best enjoyed fresh, as that’s when all those vibrant flavors shine! However, if you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just be sure to keep the balsamic vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to serve. This will help maintain the crunch of the greens and keep everything looking fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply toss in the dressing and give it a gentle mix. No reheating needed—just serve it cold and enjoy!
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Holiday Salads Christmas: 7 Fresh Flavors to Brighten Joy
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and colorful salad perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash and dry the mixed greens.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add walnuts, feta cheese, and cranberries on top.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared in advance; add dressing just before serving.
- Feel free to substitute nuts or cheese as per your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: holiday salads christmas, festive salad, Christmas recipes
