Christmas Salad Honey Mustard

Christmas is all about bright flavors and festive colors and this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing never fails to wow my holiday table with its vibrant greens, jewel-like fruit, and pop of sweet tanginess in every bite. It is simple enough for a weeknight but beautiful enough to feel special beside any main course. Pull this out whenever you want something light and fresh in the midst of heavier winter meals.

The first time I tossed together a version of this salad was for my mother-in-laws Christmas dinner and she now requests it every year without fail. It brightens any wintry meal and my family always fights over the last scoop.

Ingredients

• Baby spinach or mixed greens: tender base that holds up well under dressing look for deep green leaves with no wilting
• Fresh pomegranate seeds: bursts of juicy sweetness choose a heavy fruit with unbroken skin
• Fresh cranberries or dried cranberries: tart and bright or sweet and chewy pick firm plump berries for fresh
• Apple: thinly sliced provides crispness and sweetness Gala or Granny Smith work best look for ones without bruises
• Candied pecans or walnuts: add crunch and a warm caramelized bite buy fresh for best flavor or toast at home
• Crumbled feta cheese: adds creamy saltiness optional but I love the contrast choose a block feta and crumble for texture
• Red onion: thinly sliced gives sharp bite and festive look optional use freshly cut for milder flavor
• Honey: lends natural sweetness opt for local raw honey if possible
• Dijon mustard: balances sweetness with gentle tang use real Dijon for depth
• Apple cider vinegar: brightens the dressing with acidity use cloudy unfiltered for complexity
• Olive oil: smooths and binds everything together choose extra virgin for best taste
• Salt and pepper to taste: bring out all the flavors freshly cracked preferred

Instructions

Wash and Dry the Greens:

Place the spinach or mixed greens in a large colander and rinse under cold running water ensuring any grit or dirt is gone Pat gently with a clean towel or spin in a salad spinner until completely dry so the dressing will cling to every leaf

Slice the Apple:

Core the apple and cut into very thin slices leaving the peel on if you like Load up a sharp knife to keep slices even and crisp

Prepare the Pomegranate and Cranberries:

Carefully section your pomegranate and remove the red seeds working over a bowl to catch all the juice If using fresh cranberries either keep whole for tart bursts or slice in half for a milder tang

Toast the Nuts:

Place the candied pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet set over medium heat Stir gently for three to five minutes until they become aromatic and slightly darker making sure not to burn them Let cool fully before adding to the salad for extra crunch

Make the Honey Mustard Dressing:

In a small bowl or lidded jar combine honey Dijon mustard apple cider vinegar olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper Whisk or shake well until perfectly blended and glossy Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference

Toss the Salad:

Add greens pomegranate seeds cranberries apple slices toasted nuts crumbled feta cheese and onion if using to a large mixing bowl Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout

Dress and Serve:

Pour on a conservative amount of the dressing tossing slowly to coat Let the salad sit for just two minutes then taste and add extra dressing only if needed Serve immediately for best freshness

One of my favorite parts of this salad is the way apple and pomegranate work together sweet crisp and juicy in every forkful It reminds me of laughter around the Christmas table and the bright pop of color in a sea of classic beige dishes Never underestimate the joy that a big beautiful salad can add to a winter meal

Storage Tips

Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to two days Toss with dressing only before serving to prevent wilting Store extra honey mustard dressing in a separate jar in the fridge where it keeps for at least one week If you have leftover dressed salad use it up within a day as the greens will soften quickly

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find fresh pomegranate try a handful of dried cherries or currants Use pears instead of apples for a milder flavor Omit cheese for dairy free and swap in roasted pumpkin seeds for a nut free twist If you prefer a sweeter flavor use a sweeter apple like Fuji and dried cranberries

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines next to beef roast turkey or ham and brings color to any potluck Spread on a platter for maximum visual effect For a main dish add shredded chicken or roasted chickpeas to bulk it up It is a favorite even for reluctant salad eaters Simply pile it high and enjoy the contrast of textures

This vibrant salad is sure to become a holiday tradition with its festive look and refreshing taste. It brings both color and joy to every Christmas table — enjoy every bite!

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute dried cranberries for fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries are a great substitute if fresh are unavailable. They offer sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the salad well.

→ What type of apple works best?

Gala or Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their crispness and balance of sweetness and tartness. Feel free to use your preferred apple variety.

→ Is feta cheese necessary?

Feta cheese is optional but adds a pleasant creamy and tangy note. Omit or substitute with goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if desired.

→ How do I prevent the apples from browning?

Toss sliced apples with a bit of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice before adding to the salad to minimize browning and retain freshness.

→ Can I make the dressing ahead?

Yes, the honey mustard dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good shake before serving.