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Pomegranate Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Delightful Pomegranate Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Celebrate the festive season with this Pomegranate Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing, a vibrant dish that's easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Candied Nuts
  • 1 cup Raw Walnut Halves Adds crunch and nuttiness; substitute with pecans for a different flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Hulled Pumpkin Seeds Adds texture and nutritional value; can use sunflower seeds as an alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Honey or Pure Maple Syrup Provides sweetness for candied nuts; maple syrup is a great vegan substitute.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chipotle Powder Adds a subtle smoky flavor; omit for no spice or substitute with paprika.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances all flavors; use sea salt if preferred.
Salad Base
  • 6 cups Assorted Salad Greens Forms the base of the salad; mix of spring mix or baby greens is recommended.
  • 1 cup Curly Endive (Frisée) Provides a slightly bitter contrast; can be substituted with arugula for a peppery note.
  • 2 medium Apples or Pears Adds sweetness and crunch; use any seasonal variety for freshness.
  • 2 medium Avocados Creamy texture that enriches the salad; lemon juice prevents browning if prepped ahead.
  • 1 cup Pomegranate Seeds Offer bursts of tart flavor; substitute with dried cranberries if unavailable.
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Forms the base of the dressing; use high-quality for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic or Apple Cider Vinegar Provides acidity; lemon juice can be a lighter alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Adds tang to the dressing; yellow mustard can work in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon Fig Preserves Adds sweetness and complexity; omit if not available or replace with honey.
  • 1 teaspoon Grated Orange Zest Enhances freshness and brightness in the dressing; leave out if not available.
  • 1/4 cup Orange Juice Balances the dressing with acidity; can replace with lemon juice for tanginess.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Provides seasoning finish; white pepper may be used for a milder flavor.

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Salad Bowl
  • whisk
  • Salad Tongs

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the raw walnut halves and hulled pumpkin seeds with honey, chipotle powder, and kosher salt until well-coated. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool before sprinkling with flaky salt.
  2. In a large salad bowl, combine the assorted salad greens with curly endive to create a vibrant base for your Pomegranate Christmas Salad. Using your hands or salad tongs, gently mix the greens together until they are well blended.
  3. Next, dice your apples or pears and slice avocados into small pieces before adding them to the salad greens. Toss in the juicy pomegranate seeds as well for a burst of tartness in every bite.
  4. Once your salad base is ready, sprinkle the cooled candied nuts generously over the top. For added flavor and creaminess, crumble your choice of cheese—blue, goat, or feta—onto the salad.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic or apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, fig preserves, grated orange zest, orange juice, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until smooth and cohesive.
  6. Just before serving, drizzle the freshly made honey mustard dressing over the mixed salad. Use salad tongs or a spoon to toss the salad gently, ensuring that each component receives a coat of dressing without wilting the greens.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Dress at the last minute to maintain a delightful crunch, watch the nuts to prevent burning, and consider using lemon juice on avocados to prevent browning.

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