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Best Christmas Salad with Avocado, Pomegranate & Candied Nuts - Holiday Side Dish

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Holiday / Christmas
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Wash and dry mixed greens and frisée leaves thoroughly, then combine in a large bowl.
  3. Dice apples or pears and slice avocados just before serving. Toss apples with lemon juice to prevent browning if prepping early.
  4. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, fig jam, orange zest, and orange juice until emulsified. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
  5. Arrange greens on a serving platter. Top with fruits, avocado, pomegranate seeds, cheese, and cooled candied nuts.
  6. 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.