Oh, the joy of holiday gatherings! There’s something so special about bringing friends and family together around the table, sharing laughter and stories. And let me tell you, this *holiday salad* is the perfect way to add a burst of freshness to your festive meals! It’s vibrant, colorful, and packed with all the good stuff—who wouldn’t want to dive into that? The best part? It’s super easy to whip up! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delightful salad ready in no time. Trust me, everyone will love it, and it’s a fabulous way to balance out all those rich holiday dishes. Let’s get those greens ready to shine!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create your delicious *holiday salad*. Gather these fresh ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to a vibrant dish that everyone will adore!
- 2 cups mixed greens (I love using a mix of spinach and arugula for extra flavor!)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (these add a pop of color and sweetness)
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced (for that refreshing crunch)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (just enough for a little zing)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (adds a creamy, tangy element)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (for a nutty crunch)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (a touch of sweetness and festive flair)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (you can use store-bought or homemade!)
How to Prepare Your Holiday Salad
Let’s get started on this delightful *holiday salad*! First things first, wash and dry your mixed greens thoroughly. I usually give them a good rinse under cold water and then spin them in a salad spinner until they’re nice and dry. This way, you won’t have any soggy greens in your salad. Next, grab a large bowl and toss in those beautiful greens along with the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumber. The colors are just stunning!
Now, it’s time to add some flavor! Toss in the thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries. Each ingredient brings its own unique taste and texture that works so wonderfully together. Drizzle with your balsamic vinaigrette to add that tangy kick. And here’s my favorite part—gently toss everything together! I like to use my hands for this, as it helps to mix everything without bruising the greens.
Once it’s all combined, serve immediately for the freshest experience. But if you need to make it ahead, just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve. It keeps everything crisp and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Salad
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Fresh and flavorful, bursting with seasonal ingredients.
- Perfect for gatherings, adding color and vibrancy to your table.
- Healthy and vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone.
Tips for Success
To make your *holiday salad* truly shine, feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you love! You can swap the feta for goat cheese or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free option. If you want a little more crunch, try adding sliced bell peppers or radishes! When it comes to storing, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that fresh crunch. If you make it ahead of time, the flavors will deepen, but don’t let it sit too long—fresh is best! Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For each serving of this delightful *holiday salad*, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
It’s a deliciously healthy option that fits perfectly into your holiday meals!
FAQ Section
Can I make this holiday salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve; this helps keep your greens crisp and fresh.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, you can easily swap it for goat cheese or even a dairy-free option like avocado. Both will add a lovely creaminess to your salad!
How do I make my holiday salad more filling?
Great question! To make this salad a bit heartier, consider adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or even grilled chicken. These additions will turn your salad into a satisfying meal.
Can I use frozen ingredients?
While fresh ingredients are best for this *holiday salad*, you can use thawed frozen vegetables if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to drain excess moisture!
What other dressings work well?
If balsamic vinaigrette isn’t your thing, try a lemon vinaigrette or a creamy ranch dressing. Both will complement the fresh ingredients beautifully!
Serving Suggestions
This *holiday salad* pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! I love serving it alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham for a festive touch. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, a hearty mushroom risotto or stuffed bell peppers make excellent companions. Don’t forget some warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover dressing! Trust me, this salad will elevate your meal and leave everyone feeling satisfied.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *holiday salad* is super easy! If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Just remember to store the dressing separately to prevent the greens from getting soggy—nobody wants that! When you’re ready to enjoy your salad again, there’s no need to reheat it; just give it a gentle toss, add some fresh dressing if needed, and it’s ready to go! Enjoy those vibrant flavors once more without any fuss!
Z nadrukami
Holiday Salad: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore This Festive Dish
- Całkowity Czas: 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A refreshing salad perfect for holiday gatherings.
Składniki
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instrukcje
- Wash and dry the mixed greens.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add feta cheese, walnuts, and dried cranberries.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Uwagi
- Adjust the ingredients based on your preference.
- Can be made a few hours in advance.
- Store dressing separately if making ahead.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 0 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: No-cook
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Słowa kluczowe: holiday salad
