Christmas Salad Fresh Fruit

This Christmas Salad brings a fresh and vibrant touch to any holiday celebration. Bright red pomegranate seeds, crisp apple slices, crunchy nuts, and tangy cheese mingle with a simple, sweet dressing creating a perfect balance to rich, festive dishes. It’s easy to prepare yet impressive on the plate, making it a go to for busy holiday hosts wanting something both beautiful and delicious.

I first made this salad during a family Christmas dinner and it instantly became the vibrant centerpiece everyone requested every year after

Ingredients

• Mixed salad greens: Six cups of mixed salad greens such as baby spinach, arugula, or romaine to provide a crisp, fresh base with varied textures
• Pomegranate seeds: One cup of pomegranate seeds adds a burst of tart juiciness and festive red color, choose fresh, plump seeds for best flavor
• Apples: One green apple and one red apple thinly sliced for sweetness and crunch, pick firm apples to hold their shape well in the salad
• Dried cranberries: Half a cup of dried cranberries bring extra sweetness and chewiness balancing the tart fruit
• Toasted nuts: Half a cup of toasted pecans or walnuts which add crunch and a warm, nutty aroma, toast them lightly in a dry pan until fragrant without burning
• Crumbled cheese: Half a cup of crumbled feta or goat cheese which introduces creamy, tangy notes, use a quality cheese to avoid overpowering saltiness
• Olive oil: Two tablespoons of olive oil for a smooth and fruity dressing base
• Apple cider vinegar: One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar which lends a gentle acidity to brighten the dressing
• Sweetener: One tablespoon of honey or maple syrup as natural sweeteners that harmonize the tartness
• Dijon mustard: One teaspoon of Dijon mustard to bind the dressing ingredients with a bit of sharpness
• Salt and pepper: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste enhancing all flavors

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing:

Whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the other components.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large serving bowl add the mixed greens ensuring they are well washed and thoroughly dried for crispness. Sprinkle over the pomegranate seeds evenly to distribute their vibrant color throughout the salad. Add the apple slices in an attractive arrangement mixing the green and red slices so the colors contrast beautifully. Scatter the dried cranberries next letting their deep red hues peek through the greens. Sprinkle the toasted nuts over the top to provide crunch and a toasty aroma that complements the fresh and sweet elements.

Add Cheese:

Generously crumble the feta or goat cheese on top of the salad. The creamy texture and tanginess of the cheese balance the sweetness from the fruit and the acidity of the dressing wonderfully.

Dress the Salad:

Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the assembled salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each bite carries the full mix of flavors and textures without bruising the delicate greens.

Serve:

Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the crisp freshness and vibrant colors. This salad does not hold well over time once dressed as the greens will wilt quickly.

One of my favorite parts is the toasted nuts. I learned not to skip that step after several attempts where the salad felt flat. The toasty flavor brings everything together and reminds me of a Christmas when my grandmother shared this recipe with me around her kitchen table

Storage Tips

To keep the salad ingredients at their freshest store the washed and dried greens separately from the apples, nuts, and cheese. Refrigerate the fruit and nuts in airtight containers to maintain crunch and flavor. Prepare the dressing ahead and keep it chilled but only dress the salad just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have pomegranate seeds, ruby red grapefruit sections or fresh cherries can provide a similar splash of color and tartness. Walnuts can be swapped for pecans or roasted almonds to suit your preference or what you have on hand. Instead of feta or goat cheese, blue cheese or a vegan cheese alternative also works well adding a different tang profile.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Christmas Salad as a vibrant side alongside richer dishes like roast ham, turkey, or glazed vegetables. The fruity sweetness and tang will provide refreshing contrast. It also works well plated with crispy crusty bread for a lighter holiday lunch or brunch.

Serve the salad immediately for the best texture and brightest flavors. It brings a festive burst of color and a refreshing contrast to rich holiday dishes.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What greens work best for this salad?

Baby spinach, arugula, or romaine are great choices to add freshness and a varied texture to the salad.

→ Can I substitute the nuts used in this salad?

Yes, pecans or walnuts are suggested, but candied pecans or roasted almonds can also add a nice crunch and flavor.

→ What types of cheese complement this salad?

Crumbled feta or goat cheese are recommended, but blue cheese or vegan alternatives can be used based on preference.

→ How can I keep the salad crisp before serving?

Prepare the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of ingredients.

→ Are there ways to add more fruit flavor?

Adding orange segments or sliced pears can enhance the fruity notes and add variety to the flavor profile.