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- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and kale) - 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds - 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped - 1/4 cup dried cranberries - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste Using fresh ingredients makes your salad bright and tasty. Fresh greens add crunch and color. Pomegranate seeds bring sweetness and a nice pop. Roasted butternut squash adds warmth and depth. Each ingredient enhances the dish, making it festive and inviting. This salad is not just delicious; it is also healthy. Mixed greens are low in calories and high in vitamins. Pomegranate seeds are rich in antioxidants. Butternut squash provides fiber and vitamins A and C. Feta cheese adds protein and calcium. Walnuts offer healthy fats. Together, these ingredients create a balanced dish that supports your well-being. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Next, take your cubed butternut squash and place it on a baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil over the squash. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Spread the cubes out in a single layer. Roast them for about 25-30 minutes. You want the squash to be tender and caramelized. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool a bit. In a big salad bowl, add your mixed greens. I like to use a blend of arugula, spinach, and kale for color. Next, add the roasted butternut squash, fresh pomegranate seeds, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss in the toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and sliced red onion. Gently mix all the ingredients to show off their festive colors and textures. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Make sure they blend well to create a smooth dressing. Once mixed, drizzle the dressing over your salad. Toss the salad gently so every ingredient gets a tasty coating. Finally, taste your salad and add salt and pepper as needed for flavor. To make a great festive salad, start with fresh greens. Look for mixed greens like arugula, spinach, and kale. These greens offer color and flavor. Choose bright, crisp leaves without blemishes. Smell them; they should have a fresh scent. Avoid wilted or brown leaves. When you pick the greens, check the date on the package. Fresh greens make your salad taste better and look more vibrant. A beautiful salad impresses guests. Use a large, colorful bowl to showcase your salad. Arrange the greens as a base and layer your toppings on top. Add the roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, and feta cheese in sections. This creates a stunning visual. For an extra touch, sprinkle more pomegranate seeds and feta on top. A sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme adds a festive feel. This not only looks great but also enhances the aroma. If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to two days. To maintain freshness, store the dressing separately. When you’re ready to eat, add the dressing just before serving. This helps keep the greens crisp. If the salad looks a bit limp after storage, give it a quick toss. Add a splash of olive oil to revive it. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest mixed greens and seasonal produce to enhance the salad's flavor and nutritional value. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds for a different texture and flavor profile. Make-Ahead Dressing: Prepare the balsamic dressing in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully before use. Layer for Presentation: For an impressive presentation, layer the ingredients starting with the greens, followed by the squash, and top with pomegranate seeds and feta. {{image_4}} You can boost your Festive Christmas Salad with protein. Grilled chicken or turkey adds flavor and heartiness. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas or lentils. These will make the salad more filling and nutritious. Even shrimp or salmon can work well. Each choice offers a unique taste and texture. This salad is naturally gluten-free, thanks to its fresh ingredients. Ensure your feta cheese and balsamic vinegar are gluten-free. If you want to add croutons, use gluten-free bread. This keeps the salad safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Always check labels to be sure. Seasonal swaps can keep the salad fresh and exciting. In the winter, use roasted beets instead of butternut squash. In spring, swap in asparagus or snap peas. You can also change the greens! Try a mix of romaine or butter lettuce. Adjusting ingredients helps you enjoy new flavors all year long. To keep your festive Christmas salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in the flavors and keeps the greens crisp. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This way, your salad stays crunchy and delicious. Mixed greens can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Fresh pomegranate seeds are good for about a week if stored properly. Roasted butternut squash stays fresh for up to 4 days. Feta cheese can last for about a week after opening, while walnuts can stay good for several months if kept cool and dry. Dried cranberries can last for up to a year, making them a great pantry staple. If you have leftover butternut squash, reheat it in the oven or microwave. For the salad, gently toss it with fresh greens to refresh its look and taste. If the dressing has separated, just whisk it again before adding. This simple step brings back the flavor and makes your salad enjoyable again. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I recommend preparing the roasted butternut squash and the dressing in advance. Store each in separate containers in the fridge. Combine everything just before serving. This keeps the greens fresh and crisp. If you can't find pomegranate seeds, you can use other fruits. Diced apples or pears add sweetness. Sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges work great too. These fruits bring color and flavor to the salad. Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in individual containers. Keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. This way, the salad stays fresh and tasty throughout the week. This blog covers all you need for a great salad. We discussed the best fresh ingredients, how to prepare roasted butternut squash, and fun variations to try. Remember, fresh ingredients boost flavor and nutrition. Follow the tips for a pretty presentation and safe storage. You can even prep this salad ahead! Embrace creativity with swaps and additions. Enjoy making tasty, healthy choices that you can share with family and friends.

Festive Christmas Salad

A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, and a tangy balsamic dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups mixed greens (a blend of arugula, spinach, and kale)
  • 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
  • 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 0.33 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 0.25 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 to taste salt
  • 1 to taste black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Roasted Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized. Allow to cool slightly before adding to the salad.
  • Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and sliced red onion. Gently toss to mix.
  • Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil until emulsified.
  • Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  • Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve immediately for the freshest flavor or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle.
Keyword Christmas, festive, healthy, salad