Name: Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups raw walnuts; 1/2 cup shelled pumpkin seeds; 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; kosher salt to taste; flaky salt for sprinkling; 6 cups mixed greens; 2 cups Frisée; 1-2 apples or pears, chopped; 2 avocados, sliced; 2 cups pomegranate arils; 1 cup crumbled blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic or apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon fig preserves; 2 teaspoons orange zest; 2 tablespoons orange juice; kosher salt and black pepper to taste; chili flakes (optional, to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 85 reviews

If you’re looking for a festive, vibrant salad that bursts with flavor and texture, the Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad combines crunchy toasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds with crisp apples, creamy avocados, and jewel-like pomegranate arils, all tied together with a luscious honey mustard dressing that is sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just want a refreshing yet indulgent salad, this recipe brings a beautiful balance of colors and tastes that will brighten any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up arrangement of a fresh fruit and salad setup on a white marbled surface. On the right side, there is a white bowl filled with bright, shiny red pomegranate seeds and an open pomegranate piece with deep red seeds. Next to it, to the left, is a row of thin apple slices with red skin and white flesh, arranged in a curved line. Behind the apples, there is a bunch of fresh green frilly lettuce adding height and texture to the scene. Some pomegranate seeds and green leaves are scattered around the bowl and apples on the surface, giving a natural and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients is the secret to making this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe truly shine. Each component contributes a unique flavor or texture, creating a harmonious dish that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Raw walnuts (1 1/2 cups): Toast these for a rich, nutty crunch that adds depth and warmth.
Shelled pumpkin seeds (1/2 cup): Their subtle earthiness complements the sweetness and adds a satisfying bite.
Honey or maple syrup (1/3 cup): Used for toasting the nuts, plus in the dressing, this brings a natural sweetness that balances the tangy flavors.
Chipotle chili powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smoky heat that lifts the salad’s profile without overpowering it.
Mixed greens (6 cups): Provides a fresh, leafy base, delivering crispness and color.
Frisée (2 cups): With its slightly bitter note and curly texture, it adds an elegant punch and contrast.
Apples or pears (1-2, chopped): Juicy fruit chunks bring natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
Avocados (2, sliced): Creamy, mellow slices offer richness that balances the salad’s acidity.
Pomegranate arils (2 cups): These vibrant bursts add a pop of color and a delightful tartness.
Crumbled cheese (1 cup): Blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese act as savory, creamy accents in every bite.
Extra virgin olive oil (1/3 cup): Forms the luscious base of the honey mustard dressing.
Balsamic or apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Brings acidity and brightness to keep the dressing lively.
Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Offers a subtle sharpness to the dressing that rounds out the honey’s sweetness.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the dressing naturally, enhancing its complex flavors.
Fig preserves (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and a hint of fruitiness that makes this dressing uniquely festive.
Orange zest and juice (2 teaspoons zest + 2 tablespoons juice): Infuses the dressing with refreshing citrus notes that brighten the salad.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors perfectly.
Chili flakes: Optional, for those who like an extra hint of spice.

How to Make Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Nuts and Seeds

Start by preheating your oven to 375° F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Toss the raw walnuts and pumpkin seeds with your choice of honey or maple syrup, chipotle chili powder, and a pinch of kosher salt. Bake everything for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through so they toast evenly. When they’re golden and fragrant, remove them from the oven and spread them out to cool, finishing with a sprinkle of flaky salt to enhance their crunch.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens and frisée for a fresh and slightly bitter leafy mix. Next, add your chopped apples or pears along with the sliced avocados and pomegranate arils. These fresh ingredients not only contribute to a colorful presentation but also add a contrast of juicy, creamy, and tangy elements that make the salad exciting with every bite.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts

Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese over the salad for a creamy, tangy layer. Then add the cooled toasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds on top. Gently toss everything together to blend the textures without bruising the delicate greens or overly mashing the avocado.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Honey Mustard Dressing

For the star feature, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic or apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, fig preserves, orange zest, orange juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes in a glass jar. Shake well until the dressing is smooth, emulsified, and aromatic. The fig preserves add a lovely dimension of sweetness that complements the honey without overpowering the mustard’s tang.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat every leaf, nut, and fruit piece in that irresistible glaze. This salad is best served fresh to enjoy the crispness of the greens and the crunch of the nuts.

How to Serve Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

This dish is a fresh salad served in a wooden bowl, filled with many layers. The bottom layer is bright green curly lettuce leaves spread all over. Scattered on top are dark red pomegranate seeds, creamy white and blue chunks of cheese, light green avocado slices, and small brown walnut halves. There are also thin slices of pale yellow apple peeking through the greens. Everything is drizzled with a shiny golden dressing that adds a wet look. The bowl and food are photographed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some extra pomegranate arils and a few toasted nuts right before serving for an eye-catching finish. You can also add some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to introduce a fresh burst of color and flavor that complements the salad beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or ham during holiday meals, or alongside a cheese board for a lighter option. It also makes for a splendid lunch when served with crusty artisan bread to soak up the delicious dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

Present this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe in individual clear glass bowls or on festive platters to showcase its colorful layers. For a party, consider serving in hollowed-out apples or pears to amp up the presentation and add to the seasonal charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, the greens won’t wilt, and the nuts will remain crisp. Re-toss the salad with dressing just before eating.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well, as freezing can affect the texture of the greens and fresh fruits. However, you can freeze the toasted nuts and seeds if prepared in advance and thaw them as needed.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t recommended. If you want warm toasted nuts for another serving, briefly warm them in a dry skillet over low heat until fragrant, but keep the salad ingredients cool for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts for the Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or cashews can be great substitutes if you prefer or have allergies. Just toast them the same way to bring out their flavors.

Is there a vegan option for the cheese in this salad?

Yes, you can easily swap the cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or simply omit it for a lighter, dairy-free version that still tastes fantastic.

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely! The dressing can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before drizzling over the salad.

What can I substitute for fig preserves if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have fig preserves, you can use apricot jam or even a spoonful of honey alone to keep the sweetness and texture harmonious.

How do I keep the avocado from browning before serving?

To keep avocados fresh, toss the slices lightly in a bit of lemon or orange juice, or add them just before serving to prevent browning.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe is truly a celebration of festive flavors and textures all in one bowl. It’s easy to make, bursting with holiday spirit, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I promise that once you try it, it will become one of your go-to dishes every holiday season. So gather your ingredients, have fun tossing this gorgeous salad together, and enjoy every vibrant, delicious bite!