The holidays are a time for celebrating with food that feels as festive as the season itself. This holiday salad is a fresh, vibrant mix that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
It combines crisp greens with juicy oranges, bright cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed together with a light balsamic vinaigrette. Simple, yet full of flavor, this salad adds the right touch to any holiday meal.
It’s a quick and easy dish that brings the best of winter produce to your table—light, refreshing, and a wonderful way to balance out heavier holiday dishes.
Festive Holiday Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
- 1/2 cup roasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- A few sprigs of fresh rosemary for garnish
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, add the fresh spinach and arugula, tossing them gently to mix.
- Scatter the fresh cranberries evenly over the greens.
- Arrange the slices of orange around the salad for a pop of color and flavor.
- Add the roasted walnuts, distributing them throughout the salad for crunch.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Place a few sprigs of fresh rosemary on top to enhance the festive look and add an aromatic touch.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing lightly over the salad, being careful not to overdo it—just enough to add flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Serve the salad immediately, or chill it for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Vital Tips For Making The Best Holiday Salad
When it comes to preparing a holiday salad, a few key steps can make all the difference. Here’s what will ensure your salad is fresh, flavorful, and a hit at the table:
- Choose the Right Greens: Opt for sturdy greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed salad greens. These hold up better and won’t wilt easily, even with dressing.
- Prep Ingredients Separately: Cut and prepare all your ingredients ahead of time, but don’t mix them together until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the textures and flavors intact.
- Add Texture and Flavor Contrast: Balance sweetness with tartness by including fruits like oranges or pomegranate, alongside something crunchy like walnuts or candied pecans.
- Dressing Tips: For an even coating, toss your salad in the dressing just before serving. This helps avoid soggy greens. Consider making your own vinaigrette—using balsamic vinegar and olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper for a simple yet flavorful option.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Salad: Less is often more. Too many ingredients can make your salad feel heavy or cluttered. Stick to 4-6 key ingredients for a fresh and balanced flavor.
What To Serve With Your Holiday Salad?
Now that you’ve got a vibrant, delicious holiday salad, here’s what to pair it with to complete your festive meal:
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Glazed ham
- Baked salmon with herbs
- Stuffing or dressing
- Mashed sweet potatoes or roasted potatoes
- Crispy bread rolls or focaccia
- Cheese platter (brie, gouda, or cheddar)
- Warm cranberry sauce or fruit compote
- Roasted brussel sprouts or carrots
How To Properly Store Holiday Salad?
If you’re preparing your holiday salad in advance or want to store leftovers, keeping it fresh is essential. Here’s how to store it correctly:
- Keep the Dressing Separate: Always store the dressing in a separate container. Adding it to the salad too early will make the greens soggy. This way, you can drizzle it just before serving.
- Store in an Airtight Container: To preserve the freshness of your salad, store it in an airtight container. This will help keep the greens crisp and prevent wilting.
- Use Paper Towels: If storing leftover salad, place a paper towel over the top of the greens in the container to absorb moisture. This helps maintain freshness for a longer time.
- Refrigerate Quickly: Store the salad in the fridge immediately after preparation to keep it as fresh as possible. For salads with fruits or delicate greens, it’s best to consume within 1-2 days.
- Keep Toppings Separate: For toppings like nuts, cheese, and fruits, store them separately in small containers to avoid them becoming soggy or losing their texture.
