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The Perfect Christmas Salad Recipe for Holiday Entertaining

This Ultimate Christmas Salad is a festive holiday showstopper featuring jewel-toned pomegranate seeds, creamy avocado, and sweet candied nuts. It’s a refreshing, colorful side that balances hearty holiday meals with vibrant flavor and nutritional goodness.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Holiday / Christmas
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups raw unsalted walnuts
  • ½ cup pumpkin seeds unshelled
  • ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ tsp chipotle powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens
  • 2 cups frisée leaves
  • 1 –2 apples or pears diced
  • 2 ripe avocados sliced
  • 2 cups pomegranate seeds
  • 1 cup crumbled cheese blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese
  • ⅓ cup virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp fig jam
  • 2 tsp orange zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: chili flakes

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine walnuts, pumpkin seeds, honey or maple syrup, chipotle powder, and salt. Spread on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway. Cool completely.
  2. Wash and dry salad greens and frisée thoroughly. Combine in a large bowl.
  3. Dice apples or pears and slice avocados just before serving to prevent browning.
  4. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, fig jam, orange zest, and juice in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired.
  5. Assemble the salad: layer greens, fruit, avocado, pomegranate seeds, and cheese. Top with candied nuts and seeds.
  6. Drizzle with dressing or serve dressing on the side. Toss gently just before serving.

Notes

For best results, prepare the candied nuts and dressing ahead of time and assemble the salad right before serving. To keep avocados fresh, brush slices with lemon juice. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.