Winter Holiday Salad is a festive and delicious dish perfect for holiday meals or any winter gathering. Featuring vibrant baby greens, juicy pears, crunchy pistachios, and tangy goat cheese, it’s topped off with a homemade pomegranate vinaigrette dressing. This salad is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it an ideal choice for your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Winter Holiday Salad

This winter salad is packed with flavors and textures that will leave your guests wanting more. Here are some reasons to fall in love with this festive salad:

Quick and easy to prepare, taking only 10 minutes.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a healthy winter salad recipe.
Combines seasonal ingredients like pears and pomegranates.
Offers a beautiful presentation for your Christmas salad or New Year’s Eve salad.
Nutritious and satisfying, making it a go-to for vegetarian winter holiday salads.
Versatile enough to pair with various holiday main dishes.

Ingredients for Winter Holiday Salad

Gather these items:

5 ounces baby arugula or mixed baby greens or baby spinach
1 large pear, chopped
1/2 cup pomegranate arils
1/2 cup shelled pistachios
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup avocado oil
1/4 cup pomegranate juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt + pepper, to taste

How to Make Winter Holiday Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Assemble the salad by placing the baby greens onto a serving platter or salad bowl. Scatter the chopped pear, pomegranate arils, pistachios, and goat cheese crumbles over the top.
Step 2: In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together the pomegranate vinaigrette ingredients: avocado oil, pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad right before serving or serve it separately alongside the salad.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Winter Holiday Salad

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Make the dressing in advance to save time.
Consider adding grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

Best Ways to Serve Winter Holiday Salad

This salad can be served as a stunning holiday side salad idea or as a main dish when paired with protein. It complements roasted turkey or ham beautifully, making it a staple for festive meals.

How to Store and Reheat Winter Holiday Salad

To maintain freshness, store the salad components separately. Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess. The dressing can be refrigerated for up to a week, allowing for easy meal prep for the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Holiday Salad

What’s the secret to perfect Winter Holiday Salad?

The secret lies in using seasonal ingredients and balancing flavors. The combination of sweet pears, tangy pomegranate, and creamy goat cheese creates a delightful palate experience, making this a top choice for festive salad ideas.

Can I make Winter Holiday Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salad components a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving for optimal freshness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Winter Holiday Salad?

Ensure you don’t overdress the salad before serving; this can make it soggy. Instead, serve the dressing on the side, allowing guests to dress their own portions.

Variations of Winter Holiday Salad You Can Try

For a unique twist, consider these variations:

Add roasted butternut squash for a seasonal touch.
Incorporate dried cranberries for added sweetness.
Experiment with different cheeses like feta or blue cheese for a stronger flavor.
Create a gluten-free version by ensuring all ingredients, including the dressing, are gluten-free.

With its myriad of flavors and textures, this winter holiday salad is sure to become a favorite at your holiday gatherings. Enjoy this healthy winter salad recipe and make your celebrations even more special!

For more festive recipes, check out Cranberry Orange Pancakes or Gingerbread Cookies. You can also explore Sweet Potato Biscuits for a delightful side dish.

Winter Holiday Salad: 5 Festive Ingredients to Delight

Author: basmer
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Winter Holiday Salad is a festive and delicious dish perfect for holiday meals or any winter gathering. Featuring vibrant baby greens, juicy pears, crunchy pistachios, and tangy goat cheese, it’s topped off with a homemade pomegranate vinaigrette dressing.

Instructions

Assemble the salad by placing the baby greens onto a serving platter or salad bowl. Scatter the chopped pear, pomegranate arils, pistachios, and goat cheese crumbles over the top.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together the pomegranate vinaigrette ingredients: avocado oil, pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad right before serving or serve it separately alongside the salad.