Print

Pomegranate Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 52 reviews

This Pomegranate Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a festive and vibrant holiday dish combining crunchy candied nuts and seeds, creamy blue cheese, fresh pomegranate seeds, and sliced avocado. Tossed with a zesty honey mustard dressing and a touch of spice from chipotle and chili flakes, it brings together sweet, savory, tangy, and smoky flavors in a refreshing green salad perfect for winter celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Candied Nuts and Seeds

  • 1 1/2 cups walnuts (preferably Diamond brand)
  • 1/2 cup raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup honey (raw preferred for better texture) – divided
  • 1/4 tsp chipotle powder
  • Salt, generous pinch (to taste)
  • Red chili flakes (adjust to taste)

Salad

  • 6 cups salad greens (spring mix or baby lettuce)
  • 2 cups endive (white or red, sliced into 1-inch pieces)
  • 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, thinly sliced)
  • 2 avocados (ripe but still firm, sliced just before serving)
  • 2 cups fresh pomegranate seeds
  • 1.5 cups blue cheese (crumbled, about 6 oz)

Honey Mustard Dressing

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (mild flavor)
  • 1/4 cup aged balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard (Grey Poupon recommended)
  • 1 tbsp fig preserves
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp orange zest (finely grated from unwaxed oranges)
  • 3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Candied Nuts and Seeds: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine walnuts, pumpkin seeds, 2 tbsp honey, chipotle powder, and a generous pinch of salt. Mix until nuts and seeds are evenly coated. Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through for even toasting. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes to crisp up and deepen flavors.
  2. Make the Honey Mustard Dressing: While the nuts toast, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, fig preserves, orange zest, and orange juice in a jar or bowl. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until well emulsified and smooth. Set aside at room temperature until ready to use.
  3. Prepare the Fresh Salad Components: Wash and thoroughly dry salad greens and endive. Slice endive into 1-inch pieces and place both greens and endive into a large salad bowl. Thinly slice apples and add to the bowl. To minimize browning, slice apples just before assembling or toss lightly with lemon juice if preferred. Keep avocados, blue cheese, and pomegranate seeds separate until assembly.
  4. Assemble and Dress the Salad: When candied nuts and seeds are completely cooled, add them to the salad bowl along with the pomegranate seeds and most of the blue cheese, reserving some for garnish. Slice avocados just before adding to prevent browning. Pour honey mustard dressing over salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly, taking care not to mash avocado slices or bruise delicate greens.
  5. Finish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Top with reserved blue cheese crumbles and a light sprinkle of red chili flakes for a festive touch and hint of heat. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp nuts and fresh greens at their best.

Notes

  • Use raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds to control seasoning and ensure freshness.
  • Slice avocados and apples just before serving to prevent browning and preserve texture and appearance.
  • Allow candied nuts and seeds to cool completely on the baking sheet to become crunchy and flavorful.
  • Fig preserves add a unique depth and sweetness—substitute with apricot preserves if unavailable.
  • Adjust chipotle powder and chili flakes to your desired level of smoky heat.
  • This salad is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and freshness.

Keywords: Pomegranate salad, Christmas salad, honey mustard dressing, candied nuts, festive salad, holiday salad, blue cheese salad

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/pomegranate-christmas-salad-with-honey-mustard-dressing-recipe/