Ah, holiday salads! There’s just something about them that brings a burst of color and freshness to our festive tables, don’t you think? This particular holiday salad is one of my absolute favorites—it’s cheerful, vibrant, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect addition to any Christmas gathering. I remember the first time I made it for a family holiday dinner. My relatives couldn’t stop raving about how refreshing it was amidst all the rich dishes. The combination of mixed greens, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts always makes it a hit! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen missing out on all the holiday fun. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand for all your Christmas celebrations!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful holiday salad! Each ingredient adds its own special touch, combining to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
- 4 cups mixed greens: A combination of your favorite greens—think crisp romaine, peppery arugula, or even some baby spinach for that fresh crunch.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These little gems pack a sweet burst of flavor, adding color and juiciness to the salad.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber brings that cool crunch we all love.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Just a hint of sharpness, red onion adds a lovely pop of color and flavor.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: This tangy cheese is the perfect creamy contrast to the crisp veggies.
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped: For a delightful crunch, walnuts add richness and texture.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: These little bites of sweetness brighten up the salad and complement the savory elements beautifully.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette: A drizzle of this dressing ties everything together, adding a tangy finish that enhances all the flavors.
How to Prepare This Holiday Salad
Let’s get into the fun part—preparing this festive holiday salad! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning salad ready to impress your guests in no time!
Step 1 – Wash the Greens
First things first, you’ll want to wash and dry those mixed greens thoroughly. This is key for keeping everything fresh and crisp! I like to use a salad spinner to get rid of excess water—it really makes a difference in texture. No one wants a soggy salad, right?
Step 2 – Combine the Vegetables
Next, grab a large bowl and toss in the washed mixed greens. Then, layer in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. I like to add the ingredients in this order so that the cucumbers and tomatoes rest on the greens—this way, they don’t weigh them down too much. It keeps everything light and fluffy!
Step 3 – Add Toppings
Now it’s time for the fun part—adding toppings! Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad, followed by the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. I love how the colors pop against the greens, and the combination of flavors is just heavenly. Make sure to sprinkle them evenly to get that delicious taste in every bite!
Step 4 – Dress the Salad
Finally, right before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. This timing is crucial! If you dress it too early, the greens can wilt. Gently toss everything together until it’s nicely coated—just be careful not to bruise the greens. And there you have it! A beautiful, vibrant holiday salad ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This holiday salad is more than just a pretty dish—it’s a celebration on a plate! Here’s why I think you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Quick Preparation: It takes just 15 minutes to whip up! Perfect for those busy holiday days when you want to spend more time with your loved ones.
- Vibrant Flavors: The combination of sweet cranberries, tangy feta, and crunchy walnuts creates a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate.
- Festive Presentation: With its colorful ingredients, this salad is a showstopper on your table, adding that extra touch of holiday cheer.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with fresh veggies and wholesome ingredients, you can feel great about serving this to your family and friends.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix it up! Add grilled chicken or swap in your favorite seasonal ingredients to make it your own.
Tips for Success
To make this holiday salad truly shine, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, try to use the freshest greens you can find—your local farmer’s market is a great place to start. If you want to add some protein, grilled chicken or even roasted chickpeas are fantastic options that play well with the flavors. Don’t hesitate to get creative with seasonal ingredients; thinly sliced apples or pomegranate seeds can add a lovely twist! Oh, and if you’re making this salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the greens from wilting and keeps everything crisp. Trust me, a fresh salad is always the best salad!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful holiday salad. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 6g
This salad not only looks festive but is also a healthy choice for your holiday gatherings. Enjoy every delicious bite while feeling good about what you’re eating!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about this delightful holiday salad, so let’s clear things up! Here are some common queries I’ve encountered:
Can I use different greens?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap mixed greens for your favorites like spinach, kale, or even arugula. Just keep in mind that each green has its own flavor and texture, so choose what you love!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing, you can try goat cheese for a creamy alternative, or even cubed mozzarella for a milder taste. Crumbled blue cheese can add a bold flavor if you’re feeling adventurous!
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients a day in advance! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crisp. It’s a great way to save time on busy holiday days!
What are some good protein add-ins?
Great question! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas work wonderfully. They’ll not only enhance the salad but also make it heartier for a main dish option.
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any salad left, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate to maintain that delightful crunch of the greens!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover holiday salad is a breeze, and I’ve got some tips to keep it fresh and tasty! First, transfer any uneaten salad to an airtight container. Make sure to keep the balsamic vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again. This will help prevent the greens from wilting and getting soggy.
You can store the salad in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, the flavors will start to fade, and the texture won’t be as delightful. As for reheating, there’s no need! This salad is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. Just give it a quick toss, drizzle on some fresh dressing, and you’re good to go! It’ll still taste vibrant and refreshing, just like it did on the first day.
Imprimer
Holiday Salads Christmas: 7 Vibrant Recipes to Impress
- Temps Total: 15 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive holiday salad perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingrédients
- 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
- Wash and dry the mixed greens.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Sprinkle feta cheese, walnuts, and cranberries over the top.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette just before serving.
- Toss gently to combine.
Notes
- Serve immediately for best freshness.
- You can add grilled chicken for protein.
- Customize with your favorite seasonal ingredients.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 0 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 6g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: holiday salads christmas
