Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *holiday salad*! It’s like a burst of freshness that just screams festive gatherings. Every time I make it, I can’t help but feel a little extra sparkle in the air! The vibrant colors of the mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy walnuts create a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities. Trust me, this salad will elevate any meal—from a casual family dinner to a fancy holiday feast. You won’t want to miss it!
Ingredients List
You’ll need some simple yet vibrant ingredients to create this delightful *holiday salad*. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups mixed greens (any variety you love!)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for that juicy bite
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced into refreshing rounds
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced to add a bit of zing
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled for that creamy goodness
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped to give it a nice crunch
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, adding just the right touch of sweetness
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette, to tie everything together beautifully
These ingredients come together to create a colorful and tasty salad that’s simply perfect for any holiday spread!
How to Prepare the Holiday Salad
Preparing this *holiday salad* is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning dish ready in no time. First, make sure to wash and dry your mixed greens thoroughly. This helps them stay crisp and fresh! Then, grab a large bowl and combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Don’t forget to sprinkle in the feta cheese, walnuts, and dried cranberries for that delightful crunch and sweetness. The best part? Just before serving, drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss it gently to combine all those flavors. Aim to serve it immediately to keep everything nice and fresh. Trust me, your guests will love it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by washing and drying your mixed greens—this is key for that crispy texture!
- In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens with the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries, giving it that festive flair.
- Just before you’re ready to serve, drizzle on the balsamic vinaigrette, but don’t mix it just yet!
- Gently toss everything together until well combined, making sure each ingredient gets a little love from the dressing.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste and enjoy the compliments from your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *holiday salad* is not just a treat for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds! Here’s why I’m absolutely head over heels for it:
- It’s refreshingly crisp and colorful—perfect for brightening up any holiday table.
- The recipe is super easy, making it accessible for both beginner and seasoned cooks.
- Every bite is packed with healthy ingredients that are good for you and your guests.
- It’s versatile; you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Best of all, it can be made ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this *holiday salad*! If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can easily swap it out for goat cheese or even a vegan cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free. For the nuts, walnuts add a lovely crunch, but feel free to use pecans or almonds if you prefer. If you want to up the sweetness, consider adding sliced apples or pears instead of cranberries. And if you’re looking for a little more zing, throw in some sliced bell peppers or a handful of sunflower seeds! The beauty of this salad is that it’s all about your personal taste—so mix it up!
Tips for Success
To make the most of your *holiday salad*, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always wash your greens just before using them to keep them crisp and fresh—nobody likes wilted salad! If you’re making this ahead of time, store the dressing separately to prevent sogginess. For an extra pop, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds or a few fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving. And remember, presentation is key! Serve it in a beautiful bowl, and don’t be shy about layering the ingredients for that wow factor. Trust me, your guests will be impressed!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful *holiday salad*:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
Keep in mind, these values may vary slightly based on the ingredients you choose, but it’s a wholesome addition to any festive meal!
FAQ Section
I get a lot of questions about this *holiday salad*, so let me clear up a few common ones! First off, can you make it ahead of time? Absolutely! Just prepare the salad and store it in the fridge, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. As for storage, leftovers can last in the fridge for about 2 days, but the greens might lose their crispness—so enjoy it fresh when you can! If you want to mix it up, try adding grilled chicken for protein, or swap out the dried cranberries for fresh fruit. The possibilities are endless!
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Holiday Salad: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore This Festive Dish
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 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 mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add feta cheese, walnuts, and dried cranberries.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the ingredients based on your preference.
- Can be made a few hours in advance.
- Store dressing separately if making ahead.
- 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: 15mg
Keywords: holiday salad
