Can I substitute the goat cheese?

Absolutely. Try feta for a saltier bite or blue cheese for a bolder flavor. All pair beautifully with the honey mustard notes.

Can I make the nuts ahead of time?

Yes! They stay crisp for up to a week in an airtight container. Hide them well though—they tend to “disappear.”

What greens work best?

I love a mix of tender greens and frisée, but arugula or baby kale can also shine. Use whatever makes you happy.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep the dressing and salad separate. Once dressed, greens lose their pep after a few hours.

Of course! Grilled sliced chicken turns this into a full meal—perfect for post-holiday clean eating.

Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing: 10 Festive Must-Trys

Description

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a vibrant, festive mix of crisp greens, sweet pomegranate seeds, creamy avocado or apples, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy candied nuts—all tossed in a bright, citrusy honey mustard dressing. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a refreshing seasonal side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Candied Nuts

Chili flakes (a pinch)
1/4 tsp chipotle powder
1 1/2 cups raw walnuts
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup
Salt, to taste

For the Salad

1–2 apples or pears, cored and sliced
2 cups pomegranate seeds
6 cups salad greens (mixed greens or spinach)
2 cups frisée
2 avocados, diced
1 cup crumbled goat cheese (or blue or feta)

For the Dressing

Salt, to taste
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 tbsp honey
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tbsp fig jam
Black pepper
2 tsp orange zest
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

Prepare the Candied Nuts
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss walnuts and pumpkin seeds with honey or maple syrup, chili flakes, chipotle powder, and salt. Spread evenly and bake for 15 minutes, stirring once. Remove from oven, sprinkle with flaky salt, and cool.
Assemble the Salad
Add the greens, frisée, sliced apples or pears, diced avocados, and pomegranate seeds to a large salad bowl. Sprinkle cooled candied nuts and goat cheese over the top.
Make the Dressing
Add all dressing ingredients to a jar with a tight lid. Shake vigorously until well combined.
Dress and Serve
Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving, then gently toss to coat.

Notes

Swap pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries if needed.
Blue cheese adds a bolder taste if you prefer stronger flavor.
Nuts can be made up to 7 days ahead and stored in an airtight container.

To prevent apples from browning, toss them lightly in orange or lemon juice.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook + Oven for nuts
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 240 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg