Can I swap the cheese?

Absolutely. Goat cheese is creamy and mild, but blue cheese adds punch, and feta adds tang. Use whatever your holiday crowd loves.

What can I use instead of walnuts?

Pecans work beautifully, especially for Christmas. Almonds or cashews also hold up well.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep the salad undressed in an airtight container for up to two days. Store dressing separately. Once dressed, it’s best eaten within a few hours.

Can I make this without pomegranate seeds?

Yes—dried cranberries or fresh oranges add sweetness and a festive touch.

Best Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing: 3 Big Wow

Description

A vibrant and festive Christmas salad made with crisp greens, sweet apples, pomegranate seeds, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy candied nuts—all brought together with a bright, sweet, and zesty Honey Mustard Dressing. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a colorful, refreshing dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Candied Nuts

Chili flakes (optional)
1/4 tsp chipotle powder
1 1/2 cups raw walnuts
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
Pinch of salt

Salad

1–2 apples or pears, sliced
2 cups pomegranate seeds
6 cups mixed greens or spinach
2 cups frisée
2 avocados, diced
1 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta/blue cheese)

Honey Mustard Dressing

Salt, to taste
1/4 cup balsamic or apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tbsp fig jam
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp orange zest
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

Make the Candied Nuts:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss walnuts and pumpkin seeds with honey, chipotle powder, and salt. Spread evenly and bake for 15 minutes, stirring once. Remove, sprinkle with flaky salt, and let cool.
Assemble the Salad:
Add mixed greens and frisée to a large bowl. Top with apple slices, diced avocado, and pomegranate seeds. Sprinkle cooled candied nuts and goat cheese over the top.
Make the Dressing:
Add all dressing ingredients to a jar with a lid. Shake vigorously until smooth and well combined.
Dress & Serve:
Drizzle dressing over the salad before serving and toss gently to coat.

Notes

Candied nuts can be made up to 1 week ahead.

Dressing stays fresh for 4–5 days in the fridge.

Substitute pears for apples for a sweeter, softer flavor.

Blue cheese or feta works great instead of goat cheese.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad, Holiday Recipe, Side Dish
Method: Baked nuts + Tossed salad
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
Calories: 300–340
Sugar: 14–18 g
Sodium: 150–250 mg
Fat: 22–26 g
Saturated Fat: 4–6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16–20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22–28 g
Fiber: 4–6 g
Protein: 4–6 g
Cholesterol: 5–10 mg