A colorful and flavorful Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing, featuring seasonal fruits, roasted nuts, creamy cheese, and a sweet-tangy dressing — perfect for holiday gatherings.
Author:gemma
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:8 servings
Category:Salad
Method:Tossing and Roasting
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
6 cups mixed greens (spring mix, arugula, or Frisée)
1 medium apple, thinly sliced
1 cup pomegranate seeds
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup blue cheese, goat cheese, or feta, crumbled
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Pinch of salt
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
Pinch of chili flakes
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss walnuts and pumpkin seeds with maple syrup, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly and roast for 15 minutes, stirring halfway. Sprinkle with flaky salt and let cool.
In a jar, combine Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, orange juice, orange zest, and chili flakes. Shake well until emulsified.
Add mixed greens to a large salad bowl. Top with apple slices, pomegranate seeds, avocado, cheese, and roasted nuts.
Just before serving, drizzle with honey mustard dressing and toss gently to coat.
Notes
Roasted nuts and dressing can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.
For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey and omit cheese or use plant-based cheese.
To prevent apple browning, toss slices in lemon or orange juice.
Swap walnuts for pecans or sunflower seeds for variation.