Name: Best Christmas Salad with Avocado, Pomegranate & Candied Nuts - Holiday Side Dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Holiday / Christmas
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups raw, unsalted walnuts; 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, unshelled; 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 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, feta, or goat); 1/3 cup virgin olive oil; 1/4 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

Description

This Christmas Salad is a festive showstopper featuring pomegranate seeds, creamy avocado, candied walnuts, and tangy cheese tossed with a sweet and citrusy honey mustard dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect holiday side dish to brighten your Christmas table.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups raw, unsalted walnuts
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, unshelled
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 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, feta, or goat)
1/3 cup virgin olive oil
1/4 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

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss walnuts and pumpkin seeds with honey, chipotle powder, and salt. Spread on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring once. Cool completely.
Wash and dry mixed greens and frisée leaves thoroughly, then combine in a large bowl.
Dice apples or pears and slice avocados just before serving. Toss apples with lemon juice to prevent browning if prepping early.
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, fig jam, orange zest, and orange juice until emulsified. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Arrange greens on a serving platter. Top with fruits, avocado, pomegranate seeds, cheese, and cooled candied nuts.
Drizzle dressing over the salad or serve on the side. Toss gently just before serving and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Prepare candied nuts and dressing up to 3 days in advance. Keep greens dry and store separately. Assemble salad just before serving for the best texture and appearance.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Baking and Tossing
Cuisine: Holiday / Christmas

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 385
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 23g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 12mg

Keywords: christmas salad, festive salad, pomegranate salad, avocado salad, holiday side dish, candied nut salad