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Winter Christmas Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing

Winter Christmas Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing
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The Winter Christmas Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing is a festive and fresh holiday salad featuring crisp kale or winter greens, roasted beets, juicy pomegranate seeds, crunchy nuts, and creamy goat cheese or feta. Tied together with a tangy honey mustard dressing, this salad delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors. It’s a colorful, nutrient-packed, and light side dish ideal for celebrating the colder months with a healthy yet indulgent option that complements any festive meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh kale or mixed winter greens, washed and dried
  • 3 medium beets, roasted, peeled, and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
  • 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese

Honey Mustard Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan version)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry the kale or winter greens thoroughly. Wrap the beets in foil and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour until tender. Allow them to cool before peeling and slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Make the Honey Mustard Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
  3. Assemble the Salad: Place the kale in a large salad bowl. Add the honey mustard dressing and gently massage the leaves to soften and evenly coat them. Add the roasted beets, pomegranate seeds, toasted nuts, and crumbled cheese on top. Toss lightly to combine.
  4. Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with additional pomegranate seeds and nuts for a festive presentation. Serve immediately to retain freshness and crunch.

Notes

  • Massage Your Greens: Massaging kale softens tough fibers and enhances its texture when eaten raw.
  • Roast Beets Ahead: Roast beets up to two days in advance to save time when preparing the salad.
  • Balance Flavors Carefully: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad to ensure the perfect honey and mustard balance.
  • Use Fresh Pomegranate Seeds: Fresh seeds add a crisp burst of juice and superior flavor compared to dried cranberries.
  • Serve Immediately: For optimal freshness and texture, serve the salad soon after assembling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Winter Christmas Salad, Holiday Salad, Honey Mustard Dressing, Roasted Beets Salad, Festive Salad, Gluten Free Salad, Healthy Holiday Side

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/winter-christmas-salad-with-honey-mustard-dressing/