Holiday Cranberry Orange Mixed Green Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
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What’s Up, Hungry People?
I’m a sucker for a good seasonal salad. ‘Tis the season to be holly jolly, after all! There’s something about the crispness of fresh greens and the bright, festive toppings that just feels like a celebration on a plate. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just looking to jazz up a weeknight meal, this salad brings all the flavors of the season together in one bowl.
I love a salad that doesn’t skimp on the toppings, and this one’s got it all—sweet, savory, crunchy, and juicy. We’re talking pomegranate seeds, feta, honey-glazed cashews, and more, all nestled on a bed of tender spring mix. The vibrant colors alone make it feel like a party, and every bite is packed with little surprises that keep things interesting. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens amid all the heavier holiday fare (hello, cookies and pies!).
It’s a Holiday (Salad) Special!
Pick your favorite greens to dress up for the holidays. For this salad, I’m opting for a spring mix blend of greens, including baby spinach and dark green lettuce. I’m not a huge fan of kale, but if that floats your boat, then feel free to find a mix that suits your taste buds!
The spring mix lends itself nicely as a base because it includes a tender blend of leaves that are younger and therefore sweeter, with a bit more texture. You can also swap in iceberg lettuce for a satisfying crunch.
A Salad Dressed to Impress
The toppings on this salad play beautifully off of each other. Sweet fruity notes meet crunchy, savory flavors.
Here’s What You Need:
- Spring mix salad: A tender blend of baby greens that forms the perfect base.
- Pomegranate seeds: Buy prepackaged seeds for easy draining and separating—little pops of tartness!
- Feta cheese: Savory flavor that helps bind everything together into one bite.
- Dried cranberries: Adds chewiness and bursts of sweetness.
- Honey-glazed cashews: For crunch and a touch of sweetness with savory notes.
- Mandarin oranges: Pack a punch of sweet and sour with a burst of fruity flavor.
- Broccoli florets: Bite-sized florets soak up the best flavors and add a bit of crunch.
There’s a lot going on in this salad, but it comes together in a beautiful medley of flavors!
Homemade Honey Mustard Champagne Vinaigrette
One of my favorite homemade salad dressings, this versatile vinaigrette has plenty of twang to offset the sweet and savory notes of the salad.
For the Dressing:
- Sea salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to round out the flavor.
- Olive oil: Serves as the base and works as an emulsifier in the dressing.
- Champagne vinegar: Crisp vinegar notes cut through the sweet flavors.
- Honey: Balances the tang of the vinegar with a hint of sweetness.
- Minced garlic: Adds a spicy, earthy flavor.
- Stone-ground mustard: Provides the bitterness needed to bring everything together.
Let’s Get to Salad Tossing!
Grab a large mason jar and add all the ingredients for the dressing: olive oil, champagne vinegar, honey, minced garlic, stone-ground mustard, sea salt, and pepper. Give it a good shake until everything is well combined. You can let it sit at room temperature, giving it an occasional shake to keep things mixed.
Build the Salad
In a large salad bowl, toss in your spring mix. Now for the fun part—pile on those toppings! Add the pomegranate seeds, feta, dried cranberries, honey-glazed cashews, mandarin oranges, and broccoli florets. Toss everything gently so that you don’t bruise the greens or break up the goodies.
Dress It Up
Serve the dressing on the side so everyone can drizzle on their preferred amount, or pour it all over the salad and toss just before serving if you’re all in! Either way, you’ve got yourself a festive dish that’s ready to impress (or just to keep all to yourself).
Extra Tips for Holiday Salad Success
- Keep the Dressing Fresh: Store leftover dressing in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a shake before using it again.
- Customize Your Greens: Not a fan of spring mix? Swap it for your favorite greens, like arugula for a peppery kick or iceberg for that satisfying crunch.
- Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn this salad into a hearty main course.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you’re not into sweet salads, cut back on the honey in the dressing or reduce the cranberries.
Common Salad Questions
- Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dressing up to a week in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just remember to shake it well before using it.
- What other nuts can I use instead of cashews? Pecans, almonds, or walnuts work great here too. Just be sure to choose a lightly sweetened or plain variety to keep the balance right.
- Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarins? Definitely! Fresh oranges or even clementines will give you that juicy burst. Just peel and segment them before tossing them in.
There you have it, Hungry People—a salad that’s perfect for the holidays or whenever you’re feeling like adding a little extra to your greens. With its mix of fresh, sweet, and savory ingredients, plus that homemade honey mustard champagne vinaigrette, this salad is anything but boring. It’s all about layering those different textures and flavors, making each bite feel like something new. So grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy a bowl that’s got all the best parts of the season. And don’t be surprised if this salad steals the show at your next gathering. It’s fresh, fun, and totally worth adding to your holiday table. Happy eating!
Honey Mustard Champagne Vinaigrette & Cranberry Orange Salad
Ingredients
- 1 bag spring mix salad or your preferred salad mix
- 4 oz pomegranate seeds drained
- ¼ cup feta
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup honey glazed cashews
- ¼ cup mandarin oranges
- ½ cup broccoli florets
Instructions
- Add the ingredients for the dressing to a large mason jar and shake well to combine. Set aside at room temperature, shaking occasionally.
- In a large salad bowl, add the spring mix and top generously (to taste) with pomegranate seeds, feta, cashews, mandarin oranges, cranberries, and broccoli. Toss gently with salad tossers.
- Serve the dressing on the side for individual’s preferred amounts or pour over the salad and toss just prior to serving. Enjoy!
