Christmas Salad

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Celebrate the holidays with a dish that looks like Christmas in a bowl. This Christmas Salad bursts with color, crunch, and creamy indulgence, making it the perfect festive side to brighten your holiday table. With vibrant arugula, juicy pomegranate seeds, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted walnuts, every bite feels like a celebration.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or contributing to a potluck, this salad strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease. It pairs beautifully with hearty mains and brings freshness to a table often filled with rich, warm dishes. Not to mention, it comes together in minutes!

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare the Christmas Salad effortlessly, here are the tools you’ll want on hand:

• Large Salad Bowl: Essential for tossing the salad without bruising the greens. It also makes for a beautiful serving presentation.
• Salad Spinner: Helps dry the arugula thoroughly after washing. Wet greens dilute the vinaigrette and make the salad soggy.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cut and deseed the pomegranate easily.
• Small Skillet: For toasting the walnuts, enhancing their flavor and crunch.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures balance when mixing vinaigrette ingredients.
• Whisk or Small Jar: Use to mix and emulsify the vinaigrette quickly and evenly.

With the right tools, you’ll find that this salad is both quick to prepare and beautifully presented on any holiday table.

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Ingredients for the Christmas Salad

• Arugula: The peppery base of the salad. Its bold flavor balances the sweetness of the pomegranate and creaminess of the cheese.
• Pomegranate Seeds: Adds juicy bursts of tartness and a pop of color that screams holiday.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it contrasts the crunch and provides richness.
• Toasted Walnuts: For crunch, nuttiness, and warmth. Toasting enhances their flavor.
• Olive Oil: Forms the base of the dressing, providing smooth texture and heart-healthy fats.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tang and sweetness to the dressing, tying the salad together.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar.
• Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing while adding a slight kick.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential to enhance and balance all flavors.

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How To Make the Christmas Salad

Step 1: Toast the Walnuts

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Pomegranate

Cut the pomegranate in half and gently tap out the seeds into a bowl. Remove any white pith.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until emulsified.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Place arugula in a large bowl. Top with pomegranate seeds, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle with the dressing.

Step 5: Toss & Serve

Gently toss the salad just before serving to evenly coat the ingredients with the dressing.

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Serving and Storing This Festive Salad

Serve the Christmas Salad fresh, immediately after tossing with the vinaigrette. It’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature to allow the flavors to shine through without wilting the arugula. This salad makes a stunning starter or a light, refreshing side alongside roasted meats and other hearty holiday fare.

If preparing in advance, keep the salad components separate. Store the arugula, pomegranate seeds, toasted walnuts, and goat cheese in individual containers in the fridge. The dressing can be refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 5 days. Just combine everything right before serving for the freshest result.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I prep the salad?

You can prep all ingredients up to a day ahead. Just store them separately and assemble right before serving to maintain the freshness.

Can I substitute arugula?

Absolutely! Baby spinach, mixed spring greens, or even kale (massaged with olive oil) make great alternatives.

What can I use instead of goat cheese?

Feta, blue cheese, or even fresh mozzarella pearls work beautifully if you want a different flavor profile.

How do I deseed a pomegranate without a mess?

Cut the fruit in half and hold it over a bowl. Tap the back with a wooden spoon to release the seeds. Do it underwater to avoid juice splatter.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Replace the goat cheese with a vegan soft cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

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Want More Salad Ideas with a Holiday Twist?

If this Christmas Salad brightened up your table, you’ll want to try these other vibrant and flavorful dishes from Life With Olivia:

• Orange Dreamsicle Salad — a creamy citrus dessert salad perfect for potlucks.
• Shrimp Salad Recipe — light and protein-packed with bold flavor.
• Easter Fruit Fluff Salad Recipe — festive and fruity for any celebration.
• Coconut Snowballs — a sweet holiday snack to round out your spread.
• Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria — the perfect drink to pair with your salad spread.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can find it again when the next celebration rolls around: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

Let me know how your Christmas Salad turned out! Did you go with goat cheese, or try a twist with feta or blue cheese? Maybe you added candied pecans instead of walnuts?

I’d love to hear what you mixed in or paired it with. Feel free to drop your questions and festive twists in the comments!

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