Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

A bright, festive salad that brings winter colors and crunchy textures to your holiday table.

introduction

This Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing combines mixed greens, tart dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and creamy feta, all brightened by a sweet-and-tangy honey mustard dressing. It’s a quick, no-fuss side that looks beautiful on a holiday spread while offering a balance of flavors and textures that complement richer main dishes.

why make this recipe

• Festive appearance: reds, greens, and crunchy pecans create a holiday feel.
• Fast and simple: comes together in minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Balanced flavors: sweet honey, tangy mustard, salty feta and crunchy nuts make it universally appealing.
• Versatile: pairs well with roasted meats, vegetarian mains, or as a light starter.

how to make Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Start by arranging your greens in a large serving bowl. Scatter dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta over the top for color and texture. Whisk together equal parts honey, mustard, and olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper to create an emulsified dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat so the greens stay crisp.

Ingredients :

mixed greens, cranberries, toasted pecans, feta cheese, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup mustard, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, pepper

Directions :

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cranberries, toasted pecans, and feta cheese.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy at your holiday table.
   
   

how to serve Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Serve this salad immediately after tossing so the greens remain crisp. Present it in a wide bowl or on a platter to showcase the colorful ingredients. Offer extra dressing on the side for guests who prefer a bit more vinaigrette.

how to store Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Store any leftover components separately: keep the dressing refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week, pecans in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, and crumbled feta refrigerated for up to 5 days. Do not store the dressed salad — assemble and dress right before serving to maintain texture.

tips to make Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

• Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes to enhance their flavor.
• Use a milder mustard (like honey mustard or Dijon) to keep the dressing balanced.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: add a squeeze of lemon if you want more brightness.
• For extra crunch, add thinly sliced apples or pomegranate arils.

variation (if any)

• Swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese for a creamier, tangier bite.
• Replace dried cranberries with pomegranate seeds for juicier bursts.
• Add roasted beets or shaved fennel for extra winter produce interest.
• Make it vegan by substituting maple syrup for honey and using a dairy-free cheese.

FAQ

Q: Can I prep this salad ahead of time?
A: Prep individual components (toasted pecans, dressing, and crumbled cheese) ahead, but toss them with the greens right before serving.

Q: Is there a recommended mustard type?
A: Dijon provides a smooth tang; whole-grain mustard adds texture and more pronounced flavor.

Q: How can I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
A: Store dressing separately and only dress the salad minutes before serving.

Conclusion

For a festive, easy-to-make salad that complements any holiday meal, see a full inspiration and variations at Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing. – Half Baked Harvest.