5.0 from 18 votes
Christmas Salad Recipe
This festive Christmas Salad is a burst of bright flavors, combining sweet, tangy, and savory elements. The combination of candied pecans, fresh oranges, and creamy gorgonzola makes it the perfect holiday dish.
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Calories: 550 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Salad
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens I like to use a winter mix with radicchio
- 2 cups Frisée salad or substitute with arugula for a peppery kick
- 1-2 oranges peeled and cut into segments
- 2 cups candied pecans
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 1 cup dried cherries or cranberries
- 1 cup crumbled gorgonzola or substitute with blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese
Honey Mustard Vinaigrette:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base: Combine the mixed greens and Frisée (or arugula) in a large serving bowl. Toss lightly to distribute the greens evenly.
- Add fruit and cheese: Top the greens with orange segments, pomegranate arils, and dried cherries or cranberries. Sprinkle the crumbled gorgonzola over the top.
- Add the crunch: Scatter the candied pecans over the salad for a sweet and crunchy element.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, orange zest, and orange juice—season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Dress the salad: Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat the ingredients without crushing them.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful, and beautiful Christmas salad!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality greens: Choose a mix of crisp and fresh greens. Avoid wilted leaves; if necessary, rinse and dry them thoroughly to remove any excess moisture.
- Segment the oranges properly: Remove the pith and membrane from the orange segments for a clean and elegant presentation. This will make the oranges sweeter and more enjoyable to eat.
- Balance sweet and tangy flavors: The combination of candied pecans, pomegranate arils, and dried cherries (or cranberries) ensures a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Don’t be afraid to adjust the fruit quantities based on your taste.
Nutrition Information
Calories
550kcal
(28%)
Carbohydrates
45g
(15%)
Protein
8g
(16%)
Fat
39g
(60%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
7g
Monounsaturated Fat
23g
Cholesterol
14mg
(5%)
Sodium
405mg
(17%)
Potassium
316mg
(9%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
33g
(66%)
Vitamin A
2333IU
(47%)
Vitamin C
31mg
(34%)
Calcium
181mg
(18%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6-8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 550
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 550kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 39g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7g | 41% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 23g | 115% |
| Cholesterol | 14mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 405mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 316mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 33g | 66% |
| Vitamin A | 2333IU | 47% |
| Vitamin C | 31mg | 34% |
| Calcium | 181mg | 18% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.