Festive Holiday Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe

My go-to holiday salad with balsamic dressing brings unexpected magic to seasonal tables.

Crisp greens and vibrant vegetables dance together in a delightful melody of flavors.

A colorful plate that surprises guests with its fresh and elegant composition.

This recipe combines simple ingredients that create an extraordinary culinary experience.

Crunchy textures and tangy notes make every bite memorable and exciting.

Forget bland side dishes – you will fall in love with this stunning salad that transforms ordinary meals into something special.

Grab your bowl and let’s make something delicious that will impress everyone at the gathering.

What’s So Special About This Holiday Salad

• Burst with Festive Flavors: This holiday salad explodes with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that dance across your taste buds, making every bite a celebration of seasonal deliciousness.
• Quick and Effortless Elegance: Whip up this stunning salad in minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills.
• Nutrition-Packed Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with antioxidant-rich pomegranate seeds, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, this salad delivers a powerhouse of nutrients and textures that will delight both health-conscious guests and picky eaters.
• Versatile Party Companion: Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, potluck, or weeknight dinner, this adaptable salad fits perfectly with any meal, adding a touch of sophistication and seasonal cheer to your table.

What You’ll Need for Holiday Salad

• Mixed Greens: A delicate blend of leafy vegetables that provides a crisp and flavorful base for the salad.

• Pomegranate Seeds, Dried Cranberries: Bright, jewel-like fruits that add sweet-tart bursts of flavor and festive color.
• Sliced Pear, Apple: Crisp fruits that bring a fresh, juicy element and subtle sweetness to the salad.
• Candied Pecans: Crunchy nuts with a caramelized coating that offer a rich, sweet-and-nutty texture.

• Olive Oil: A smooth, high-quality oil that helps blend the dressing and adds richness.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A deep, complex vinegar that provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the acidity of the vinegar.
• Dijon Mustard: A zesty condiment that helps emulsify the dressing and adds depth.
• Goat Cheese: A creamy, tangy cheese that crumbles beautifully and adds a luxurious touch.
• Garlic Powder: A subtle seasoning that provides a mild, aromatic background flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the salad.

Simple Instructions for Holiday Salad with Balsamic

Step 1: Craft Magical Dressing

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk or shake until the mixture looks smooth and blended. Take a quick taste and tweak seasonings if needed.

Step 2: Build Colorful Salad Base

• Sparkling pomegranate seeds
• Crumbly goat cheese
• Crunchy candied pecans
• Thinly sliced pear or crisp apple
• Ruby-colored dried cranberries

Step 3: Dress With Delicious Drizzle

• Gently toss everything together
• Serve dressing on the side for guests to add their own touch

Step 4: Final Flourish

Add any extra garnishes that make your heart sing. Serve immediately and watch faces light up with delight!

Tips for a Crisp and Flavorful Holiday Salad

• Whisk Wisely: Emulsify the dressing thoroughly by shaking vigorously in a sealed jar or whisking continuously to create a smooth, well-blended sauce that coats the salad evenly.
• Prevent Wilting: Add dressing just before serving to keep greens crisp and prevent soggy leaves, maintaining the salad's fresh texture and vibrant appearance.
• Customize Creatively: Swap goat cheese for feta or blue cheese, use almonds instead of pecans, or add roasted butternut squash for extra winter warmth and variety.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dressing and chop ingredients separately up to a day in advance, keeping components refrigerated and mixing just before serving to preserve freshness.
• Boost Nutrition: Sprinkle hemp seeds or quinoa for added protein, or include roasted chickpeas to transform this holiday salad into a more substantial meal option.

Storing Holiday Salad and Dressing

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep greens crisp by placing a paper towel on top to absorb excess moisture.
• Separate Ingredients: Preserve candied pecans, goat cheese, and dried fruit in separate sealed containers to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
• Dressing Storage: Keep balsamic dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Shake well before using, as ingredients might separate during storage.
• Reheating Tip: For best results, enjoy cold salad components. Revive wilted greens by quickly refreshing with cold water and patting dry before serving.

Good Matches for Holiday Salad

• Pair with Sparkling White Wine: A crisp, light Prosecco or Champagne complements the salad's sweet and tangy flavors, cutting through the richness of goat cheese and candied pecans.
• Match with Roasted Chicken: Serve alongside herb-roasted chicken breast to create a balanced meal that highlights the salad's festive ingredients and adds protein.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette provides a perfect texture contrast and helps soak up the delicious balsamic dressing.
• Add Cranberry Spritzer: A homemade cranberry and sparkling water mocktail echoes the dried cranberries in the salad, creating a harmonious flavor profile that feels festive and refreshing.

Ways to Switch Up Your Holiday Salad

• Citrus Zinger: Swap pear with mandarin oranges and add toasted almonds for a bright, tangy flavor profile that pops with freshness.
• Mediterranean Remix: Replace goat cheese with crumbled feta, add kalamata olives, and use lemon-infused olive oil in the dressing for a Greek-inspired version.
• Winter Berry Blast: Switch pomegranate seeds for fresh raspberries, use blue cheese instead of goat cheese, and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
• Autumn Harvest Edition: Incorporate roasted butternut squash cubes, swap pecans for walnuts, and add a hint of maple syrup to the balsamic dressing for a seasonal touch.

Holiday Salad Questions, Answered

• Can I make the balsamic dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing can be prepared up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick shake or whisk before using.

• Are there any substitutions for goat cheese?

Absolutely! You can swap goat cheese with feta, blue cheese, or even shredded parmesan depending on your taste preference. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor to the salad.

• How do I make candied pecans if I don't want to buy them?

Simply toast pecans in a skillet with a mix of brown sugar and butter for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. Let them cool completely before adding to the salad for a homemade candied pecan option.

• Is this salad good for people with dietary restrictions?

This salad can be easily adapted. For gluten-free needs, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. For vegetarians, the recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Dairy-free folks can omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Holiday Salad With Balsamic Dressing Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Festive Mediterranean Salad dazzles with crisp greens, roasted vegetables, and tangy balsamic drizzle. Colorful, fresh ingredients promise a delightful culinary experience that brings Mediterranean sunshine right to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad:

Leafy Greens:

• 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix)

Fruits and Nuts:

• ½ cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
• 1 medium pear or apple, thinly sliced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup candied pecans (or walnuts)

Cheese:

• ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta)

Balsamic Dressing:

Main Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters/2 fluid ounces) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Sweeteners:

• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the vibrant balsamic dressing by blending olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small mixing vessel. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture transforms into a smooth, cohesive emulsion.
2. Select a spacious serving bowl and create a lush foundation of mixed greens, spreading them evenly across the surface.
3. Artfully scatter pomegranate seeds across the greens, creating bursts of ruby-red color and tangy sweetness.
4. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the salad, allowing the creamy white fragments to contrast beautifully with the green backdrop.
5. Distribute candied pecans strategically, providing delightful crunch and subtle sweetness to each potential bite.
6. Layer thinly sliced pear or apple throughout the salad, introducing a crisp and refreshing element to the composition.
7. Liberally disperse dried cranberries, enhancing the salad’s festive and complex flavor profile.
8. Immediately before serving, delicately drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad. For optimal presentation, either gently toss the ingredients to ensure even coating or serve the dressing separately, allowing guests to customize their experience.
9. Optional: Garnish with additional toppings to elevate the visual appeal and provide extra textural intrigue.
10. Serve promptly to preserve the salad’s vibrant freshness and peak flavor.

Notes

• Customize the dressing’s sweetness by adjusting honey levels, perfect for those watching sugar intake.
• Swap goat cheese with vegan alternatives like almond or cashew cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Toast pecans briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more intense crunch before candying.
• Prevent browning of sliced pears by tossing them in a bit of lemon juice, keeping the salad looking fresh and vibrant.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg