INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic happens. I always try to keep things simple and use ingredients that are easy to find at your regular grocery store. No fancy stuff here! This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. Trust me, this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

Here’s what you’ll need:

5 ounces mixed greens: I usually go for a spring mix or baby spinach for a boost of vitamins. If you don’t have mixed greens, romaine lettuce works too.
1 cup pomegranate seeds: These add a burst of sweetness and are loaded with antioxidants.
1 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a salty, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness. For a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based feta or omit it altogether.
½ cup pecans: Adds a nice crunch and healthy fats. I like to toast them lightly for extra flavor. I was just reading this article about Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing. – Half Baked Harvest, that had a wonderful variation.
⅓ cup dried cranberries: Adds sweetness and chewiness. You can also use raisins or chopped dates.
For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds sweetness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp flavor.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens up the flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t stress! This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is super flexible. No worries if you don’t have apple cider vinegar – I use balsamic vinegar for extra depth in my Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.

My family gets extra nutrition when I add mandarin oranges. They love the sweetness! Another Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: I started buying pre-washed greens to save time. It’s a sanity-saver!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is so easy, even on the busiest of days. Here’s how to make it happen:

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This is also a perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Sometimes I even double the dressing so I have some for later in the week. I also recently learned about Best Christmas Salad with Pomegranate – Beaming Baker, which had a similar vinaigrette.
Toast the Pecans: Place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them! Let them cool slightly, then roughly chop them. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing – learn from my experience! I used to burn the pecans all the time. Now I set a timer!
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, pecans, and dried cranberries.
Dress the Salad: Pour the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Don’t worry if your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing looks a little messy – that’s part of the charm!
Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing immediately. If you’re making it ahead of time, wait to dress the salad until just before serving. This nutritious Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing usually takes about 15 minutes to throw together.
Enjoy! Your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing should smell nourishing by now. Take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!

While your Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! And, here is an important mom tip: get the kids involved in the process. My kids love helping me measure the ingredients and toss the salad. It makes them more likely to eat it!

This winter salad with honey mustard, is super easy to prepare! I also love potato soup with crispy bacon bits.

How We Love to Eat This!

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is so versatile! We love to eat it in so many different ways. It’s become a staple in our holiday rotation, but we also enjoy it year-round. Here are a few ideas:

As a Side Dish: This is the most obvious way to enjoy this festive green salad. It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty lentil loaf.
As a Light Lunch: Add some grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete and satisfying lunch.
In a Wrap: Toss the salad with some shredded chicken and wrap it in a whole-wheat tortilla for a quick and easy meal. The kids devour this nutritious Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing when I serve it with tortilla!
With Soup: This festive green salad is a great accompaniment to a warm bowl of soup. I really enjoy Spanish potato soup with chorizo and the textures of this salad with the soup.

The kids devour this nutritious Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing when I serve it with grilled chicken. It’s a win-win! For a festive presentation, I like to arrange the salad on a platter and garnish it with extra pomegranate seeds and pecans.

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be aware that the greens may wilt slightly.

I’ve even made a version of this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing using roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts for a heartier winter salad.

My friends and family always rave about how fresh and flavorful this winter salad with honey mustard is. It’s always a hit at potlucks and holiday gatherings!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions about this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing, so I’ve compiled a list of the most common ones I get from fellow busy moms. Let’s get to it!

Is this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! This festive green salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, and cranberries. The pecans add healthy fats and protein, while the feta cheese provides calcium. It’s a nutrition powerhouse!

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing?

I get it! Picky eaters are a challenge. Try serving the salad with a small amount of dressing on the side so they can control how much they use. You can also let them pick out one ingredient to add themselves. Sometimes, just being involved in the process can make them more likely to try it.

Can I meal prep this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing for busy weeks ahead?

Yes, but with a few adjustments. I recommend storing the salad and dressing separately and tossing them together just before serving. This will prevent the greens from getting soggy. You can also prep the individual ingredients ahead of time, such as toasting the pecans and chopping the vegetables.

Can I substitute the feta cheese with something else?

Of course! If you’re dairy-free, you can use a plant-based feta or omit it altogether. You can also try adding some avocado for creaminess or some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What kind of greens work best in this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing?

I usually use a spring mix or baby spinach, but you can use any type of greens you like. Romaine lettuce, kale, or even arugula would work well.

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds would be delicious in this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.

Is the honey mustard dressing too sweet for kids?

Some kids are more sensitive to sweetness than others. If you’re concerned about it being too sweet, you can reduce the amount of honey or add a little extra Dijon mustard or lemon juice to balance the flavor.

I also have reader questions regarding alternatives. I’ve had other parents ask if Hot Honey Mozzarella Eggs would be a good substitute. While they share similar ingredients, they fulfill very different meals.

Remember, this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is all about simple nutrition and making it work for your family. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences!

Final Thoughts:

This Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is more than just a recipe, it’s a way to bring some freshness and nutrition to your family’s holiday meals without adding extra stress to your already busy life. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own! Here’s why this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing supports my family’s nutrition goals:

It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
It’s a great way to get my kids to eat more greens.
It’s quick and easy to make.

My Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Nutrition Hacks:

Pre-wash your greens: This saves so much time!
Make the dressing ahead of time: Store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Get the kids involved: They’re more likely to eat it if they help make it.

Here are some family-tested healthy Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing variations:

Roasted Sweet Potato and Brussels Sprout Salad: Adds heartiness and warmth.
Apple and Walnut Salad: A classic combination that’s always a hit.
Citrus and Avocado Salad: Bright and refreshing.

My oldest prefers the Roasted Sweet Potato version, while my youngest loves the classic Apple and Walnut Salad. I encourage you to make it your own healthy way. Try different combinations of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and cheeses to find what your family loves best.

I hope this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing brings your family as much joy and nutrition as it has brought mine. Remember, simple nutrition is the key to success!

I have so much hope for your family’s nutrition success! You’ve got this, mama! Remember, every small step you take towards healthier eating is a victory.

So, go ahead, give this nourishing Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing a try. You might just be surprised at how much your family loves it! Happy cooking! 💕

Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Print Recipe

This festive Christmas salad is a vibrant and delicious dish perfect for the holidays. Topped with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing, it’s a delightful addition to any Christmas dinner or gathering.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

5 ounces mixed greens
1 cup pomegranate seeds
1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped

Honey Mustard Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, mandarin oranges, goat cheese, and toasted pecans.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegan option, omit the goat cheese or substitute with vegan feta. You can also add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more substantial salad.