Ah, the holiday season! There’s something magical about gathering around the table with family and friends, and this festive salad is the perfect addition to any Christmas spread. Picture a vibrant mix of colors and textures that not only looks stunning but also tastes absolutely delightful. My absolute favorite part about this salad is how it captures the essence of the season with its juicy cranberries and crunchy walnuts, bringing a delicious contrast to rich holiday dishes. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up in just 15 minutes! Trust me, this Christmas salad recipe will brighten up your gatherings and leave everyone asking for the recipe. It’s fresh, healthy, and a beautiful way to celebrate the flavors of the season!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups mixed greens (a lovely variety for a colorful base)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for that juicy pop of sweetness)
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced (adds a refreshing crunch)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced (for a bit of zing and color)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (creamy and tangy goodness)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (for a nutty crunch that’s simply divine)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (sweet and chewy, the holiday spirit in each bite)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (the perfect dressing to tie it all together)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, wash and dry your mixed greens thoroughly. This step is super important because nobody likes a soggy salad! I usually give them a good rinse in cold water and spin them dry in a salad spinner.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Just imagine the vibrant colors coming together—it’s like Christmas in a bowl!
- Next, sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries. You’ll want to mix all these delicious ingredients gently, so everything gets evenly distributed without bruising the greens.
- Now, it’s time for the magic potion! Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. I love to use just enough to coat everything lightly without drowning it.
- Finally, toss everything together gently. Be careful—this isn’t a workout! Just a light toss to combine all those wonderful flavors.
- Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but the flavors are so festive that nobody will mind a little leftover!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Fresh and healthy, packed with vibrant veggies and nutrients.
- Beautiful presentation that adds a festive touch to your holiday table.
- Deliciously balanced flavors—sweet, tangy, and crunchy all in one bite.
- Versatile—perfect as a side dish or a light main course.
- Great for meal prep; enjoy it fresh or as leftovers!
- Kid-friendly—even the little ones will love the colorful ingredients.
Tips for Success
To make sure your salad shines, here are a few handy tips! Start by washing your greens in cold water—this helps them stay crisp and fresh. If you don’t have a salad spinner, just shake off the excess water gently! For extra flavor, let your salad sit for a few minutes after tossing it with the dressing; it allows the ingredients to mingle and creates a tastier bite. And don’t hesitate to get creative! If you want to switch things up, try adding some sliced apples or pomegranate seeds for an extra festive flair. Enjoy experimenting!
Variations
One of the best parts about this Christmas salad is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or turkey—perfect for making it a more filling meal. If you’re a fan of nuts, swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch. Feeling adventurous? Try adding sliced apples or pears for a sweet twist that complements the cranberries beautifully.
If you want to experiment with dressings, a honey mustard vinaigrette or a creamy ranch can add a whole new flavor profile. And for a holiday touch, throw in some toasted pumpkin seeds or even roasted sweet potatoes. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional details of this festive salad! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
With a delightful mix of healthy greens, nuts, and cheese, this salad not only tastes amazing but also packs in a good amount of nutrients. Enjoy every colorful bite without any guilt!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers from this delightful Christmas salad (which is rare, trust me!), storing them is super easy. Just transfer the salad into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 2 days. I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again to avoid sogginess. Just drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette on top right before serving!
Now, as for reheating, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to worry about heating it up. Just give it a gentle toss to mix everything up, and it’s ready to be devoured! If you’ve added any proteins like grilled chicken, you can warm those separately in the microwave or on the stovetop, but I generally prefer my salad fresh and crisp!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can wash and prepare all your ingredients in advance, just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, your salad stays fresh and crisp!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, feel free to swap it out for goat cheese or even cubed mozzarella for a milder flavor. Both options will still add a lovely creaminess to your salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Christmas salad is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure you use gluten-free dressing to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This salad is super flexible, so feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or even roasted Brussels sprouts for a hearty touch!
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can last about 2 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. Just remember to keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s crispness.
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl (for combining all those beautiful ingredients)
- Salad spinner or colander (to wash and dry your mixed greens effectively)
- Cutting board (a must for chopping veggies and fruits)
- Sharp knife (for slicing the cucumbers and tomatoes with ease)
- Measuring cups (to ensure you have the right amounts of everything)
- Serving utensils (to toss and serve the salad beautifully)
- Optional: Whisk or small jar (for shaking up the dressing if you want to make it yourself)
Christmas Salad Recipes That Spark Joy in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive salad perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash and dry the mixed greens.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add the feta cheese, walnuts, and dried cranberries to the bowl.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or turkey for more protein.
- Substitute the balsamic vinaigrette with your favorite dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: christmas salad recipes
