Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a vibrant and festive dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Packed with crisp greens, sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese, it’s a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The tangy-sweet honey mustard dressing ties it all together, making this salad both delicious and eye-catching on your Christmas table.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)red apple (sliced thin)green apple (sliced thin)pomegranate arilsdried cranberriescandied pecans or walnutscrumbled feta or goat cheesered onion (thinly sliced)

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

Dijon mustardhoneyapple cider vinegarolive oilsalt and pepper

directions

In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, apple slices, pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, nuts, cheese, and red onion.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.

Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Serve immediately to preserve the crispness of the greens and fruit.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 as a side dish.Preparation time: 15 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add grilled chicken or roasted turkey slices for a protein boost.

Use blue cheese instead of feta for a stronger flavor.

Include orange segments or pear slices for a different fruit element.

Swap the nuts for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if preferred.

Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.Store the honey mustard dressing separately in a jar for up to 1 week.Shake or stir the dressing before each use.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prep all ingredients and keep them separate. Assemble and dress right before serving.

Is the dressing too sweet?

The honey mustard dressing balances sweetness with tanginess. Adjust honey or mustard to taste.

What other greens can I use?

Feel free to use kale, butter lettuce, or spring mix.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, just omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

How do I candy the nuts?

Toss nuts with sugar and a touch of butter in a pan over medium heat until caramelized.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade honey mustard dressing offers a fresher, richer flavor.

Can I make this vegan?

Use maple syrup instead of honey and skip the cheese or use vegan cheese.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Not necessary—leave the skins on for color and texture.

What’s the best way to deseed a pomegranate?

Cut it in half and tap the back with a spoon over a bowl to release the arils.

Can I serve this as a main course?

Yes, add protein like chicken, tofu, or beans to make it more filling.

Conclusion

Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a fresh, festive, and flavorful addition to your holiday spread. It’s colorful, nutritious, and simple to prepare, making it a crowd-pleaser that brightens any table. Whether as a side or a light main dish, this salad brings holiday cheer in every bite.