Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

If you’re looking to brighten up your festive table, this Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe is the perfect mix of seasonal flavors and textures. Crisp greens, tangy cranberries, and juicy apple slices come together with crunchy candied nuts and creamy feta, all tied together by a luscious honey mustard dressing that sings with just the right balance of sweet and tangy. It’s a refreshing, vibrant salad that feels like a celebration in every bite—ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime you want to add a splash of color and cheer to your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to make this salad shine. Each component brings something unique—whether it’s the sweetness of honey, the crunch of nuts, or the tang of cranberries—creating a dish that is as balanced as it is beautiful.

• 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens: The fresh and tender base that adds vibrant green color and a mild, earthy flavor.
• 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds: Juicy bursts of tart sweetness and a brilliant jewel-like appearance.
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries): A tangy, seasonal pop that delivers festive flavor and texture.
• 1 medium apple, thinly sliced: Adds crispness and natural sweetness—Gala or Granny Smith work perfectly.
• ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts: Crunchy, sweet nuts elevate texture and bring warmth.
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional): A creamy, salty contrast that complements the fruitiness beautifully.
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional): Offers a mild sharpness that brightens the salad’s flavor profile.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Natural sweetness that rounds out the honey mustard dressing.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Sharp, creamy tang forms the backbone of the dressing’s flavor.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity that lifts the dressing.
• ¼ cup olive oil: Smooths and balances the dressing, bringing richness.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor in the salad.

How to Make Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

First things first—wash your spinach or mixed greens thoroughly to remove any grit and pat them dry so the dressing clings well. Next, core and thinly slice the apple; leaving the skin on adds a pop of color and extra nutrients. Carefully remove pomegranate seeds, and if using fresh cranberries, you can slice them slightly to mellow out their tartness. For the nuts, toasting candied pecans or walnuts lightly in a dry skillet releases their oils and deepens the flavor. Let them cool before adding to keep that satisfying crunch alive in the salad.

Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Dressing

Combine honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk vigorously until you achieve a smooth, harmonious dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning—sometimes a little more honey or vinegar perfectly balances the flavors. This dressing is the heart of the Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe, bringing all the ingredients together with its sweet and tangy charm.

Step 3: Assemble and Dress the Salad

In a large bowl, gently toss the greens, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, apple slices, toasted nuts, and optional feta and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad in increments, tossing lightly each time to ensure every bite is coated without overwhelming the fresh ingredients. Remember, less is more—you want every fresh flavor to shine through alongside the honey mustard dressing.

How to Serve Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle additional pomegranate seeds or a few extra candied nuts on top just before serving to enhance the visual appeal and add a final crunch. A small handful of fresh herb leaves like parsley or mint can introduce a lovely aroma and a burst of green freshness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or a simple herb-roasted chicken. It also complements vegetarian mains like stuffed squash or grain bowls, providing a bright and citrusy contrast to richer dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the salad in individual clear glass bowls or on vibrant holiday-themed plates to showcase all the colorful ingredients. Alternatively, layering the salad components in a large glass trifle bowl can create an eye-catching centerpiece that guests will admire before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers to keep things crisp and fresh. The salad greens may wilt if tossed too early with the dressing, so keep them apart until ready to serve again.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad since the fresh fruits, greens, and dressing lose their texture and flavor when thawed. For the best experience, enjoy this salad fresh!

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you want to revive leftovers, gently toss the ingredients with fresh greens before serving.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries add a chewy texture and concentrated sweetness. You might want to reduce any added sweetener in the dressing slightly to keep balance.

Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard in the dressing?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can work, but they will change the flavor’s intensity slightly. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese and ensure your honey is replaced with a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup. The dressing will still taste wonderful.

What nuts are best for this salad?

Candied pecans or walnuts are perfect for a sweet crunch, but feel free to experiment with almonds or pistachios if you prefer different textures and flavors.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

For best results, prep the ingredients a few hours ahead but toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe is a show-stopping side that you’ll want to make again and again. It strikes a perfect balance of flavors and textures that both family and guests will love. Give it a try at your next celebration—you might just find a new holiday tradition in the making!

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