Name: Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups raw walnuts; 1/2 cup shelled pumpkin seeds; 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; Kosher salt; Flaky salt (for finishing); 6 cups mixed greens; 2 cups Frisée; 1-2 apples or pears, chopped; 2 avocados, sliced; 2 cups pomegranate arils; 1 cup crumbled blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon fig preserves; 2 teaspoons orange zest; 2 tablespoons orange juice; Black pepper to taste; Chili flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 7 reviews

If you’re looking for a vibrant, festive, and absolutely delicious way to brighten your holiday table, this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s packed with a colorful mix of crunchy toasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds, sweet and tart fruit, creamy cheese, and a perfectly balanced honey mustard dressing that will have everyone asking for seconds. This salad isn’t just pretty to look at but also a symphony of textures and flavors that celebrate the season in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a fresh salad arrangement on a white marbled surface. On the right, there is a white bowl filled with bright red, shiny pomegranate seeds and a half pomegranate with its seeds exposed. To the left of the bowl are thin slices of red and green apple, layered in a slightly fanned-out pattern. Surrounding the fruit are light green frilly lettuce leaves with a delicate texture. Scattered pomegranate seeds and small lettuce pieces lay on the white marbled surface in front. The colors are vivid with contrast between the deep red seeds, pale apples, and fresh green leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that each bring something special to the bowl. From the crispness of fresh greens to the sweet pop of pomegranate and the rich crunch of roasted nuts, every component is essential to creating that perfect harmony.

Raw walnuts (1 1/2 cups): Toasted with a honey-chipotle coating for a smoky, sweet crunch.
Shelled pumpkin seeds (1/2 cup): Add extra nutty texture and a subtle earthy flavor.
Honey or maple syrup (1/3 cup): Sweetens and caramelizes the nuts when toasted.
Chipotle chili powder (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a hint of smoky heat, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Mixed greens (6 cups): A colorful base packed with freshness and crispness.
Frisée (2 cups): Adds a slightly bitter, curly texture to contrast the sweet elements.
Apple or pear (1-2, chopped): Offers juicy sweetness and crispness that feel like Christmas in every bite.
Avocados (2, sliced): Creamy and luscious, they mellow out the sharpness of the cheese.
Pomegranate arils (2 cups): Bursting with juicy tartness and festive, jewel-like color.
Crumbled blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese (1 cup): Provides a tangy creaminess that ties everything together.
Extra virgin olive oil (1/3 cup): The base for the rich and glossy honey mustard dressing.
Balsamic or apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Offers acidity to brighten the dressing’s flavor.
Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Adds a gentle pungency and depth to the dressing.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Brings natural sweetness and helps emulsify the dressing.
Fig preserves (1 tablespoon): Adds a luxurious fruitiness that feels oh-so-special.
Orange zest (2 teaspoons) and orange juice (2 tablespoons): Fresh citrus notes lift the whole salad brilliantly.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every flavor peak.
Chili flakes: Optional kick for those who love a bit of heat.

How to Make Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Nuts and Seeds

First, preheat your oven to 375° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cleanup easy. Toss the raw walnuts and pumpkin seeds with honey or maple syrup, chipotle chili powder, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even toasting. When done, remove from the oven and spread the nuts apart to cool, finishing with a sprinkle of flaky salt for maximum crunch and flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, combine your fresh mixed greens and frisée. These leafy greens provide the perfect fresh, crunchy foundation. Add the chopped apples or pears, ideal for a sweet crispness, and gently place the sliced avocados on top, which add creaminess and richness to balance the acidity and sweetness that’s to come.

Step 3: Add the Festive Toppings

Next, sprinkle generous amounts of pomegranate arils all over the salad—these little bursts of tart juiciness are what make this salad so festive and exciting. Add your choice of crumbled blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese, which introduces a tangy, creamy element that ties all the flavors together. Finally, scatter the toasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds you prepared in step 1, providing a smoky crunch in every bite.

Step 4: Whip Up the Honey Mustard Dressing

To create the luscious dressing, pour extra virgin olive oil, balsamic or apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, fig preserves, orange zest, and orange juice into a glass jar. Add kosher salt and black pepper to taste, along with chili flakes if you like a little heat. Secure the jar lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well blended.

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together to ensure each leaf and topping is lightly coated without bruising the delicate ingredients. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and variety of textures at their best.

How to Serve Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with a colorful salad sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is made of green leafy lettuce with frilly edges, spread evenly throughout. Scattered on top are bright red pomegranate seeds adding small bursts of color. Large, creamy avocado slices with smooth, light green flesh sit among the lettuce. There are pieces of white cheese with blue veins, crumbly in texture, layered generously across the salad. Several golden brown walnuts and roasted seeds bring a crunchy texture, lightly coated and sprinkled evenly. The salad has a shiny drizzle of dressing visible on top, enhancing the freshness of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra festive look, consider topping your salad with fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or tarragon. Add an elegant touch with edible flowers or a few large whole pomegranate seeds for sparkle. A light drizzle of extra honey mustard dressing around the edges of the plate makes the presentation pop for holiday guests.

Side Dishes

This salad shines brightly on its own but pairs beautifully with hearty mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or maple-baked salmon. For a vegetarian feast, serve alongside herbed quinoa or warm roasted root vegetables—these sides complement its bright flavors without overpowering the delicate balance of the salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe in individual clear glass bowls or festive holiday-patterned plates creates an inviting display that’s sure to wow guests. Alternatively, build it on a large wooden board or platter for a seasonal sharing board, layering the colorful ingredients like jewels for a stunning visual effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because this salad is best enjoyed fresh, store leftover salad components separately when possible—keep the dressing in an airtight container and the salad greens and toppings in another, refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Avoid tossing until serving to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this salad is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh greens, avocados, and dressing, which will lose texture and become watery or mushy upon thawing. For the nuts and seeds, freezing them separately is possible but toasting fresh is recommended to retain that delicious crunch.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you have leftover toasted nuts, you can refresh their crunch by warming them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes just before adding to your salad.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts or pumpkin seeds with other nuts?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even cashews can be used instead. Just toast them with the honey and chipotle seasoning to keep that sweet and smoky flavor dynamic in the salad.

What’s the best way to keep avocado from browning in this salad?

Using ripe but firm avocados helps, and slicing them just before tossing the salad reduces browning. Also, the citrus in the dressing lends some protection against oxidation for a fresh look longer.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

It can be easily made vegan by swapping the cheese for a plant-based alternative or omitting it altogether. The honey can also be replaced with maple syrup to keep the dressing perfectly vegan-friendly.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The honey mustard dressing stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before drizzling it over your salad.

What other fruits would work well instead of apple or pear?

Figs, pears, pomegranate seeds, or citrus segments like mandarin oranges are all festive and delicious alternatives that maintain the salad’s balance of sweet and tart.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for holiday entertaining. It’s the kind of dish that not only tastes incredible but also sparks joy with its vibrant colors and diverse textures. Don’t hesitate—give it a try at your next festive gathering, and watch how it brings smiles and happy conversations to the table. Trust me, this salad is a keeper!