Hi there, holiday enthusiasts!
Are you in the mood for something festive? I’ve got a bright and cheerful recipe just for you!
Today, I’m sharing a Christmas salad with goat cheese and oranges.
It’s fresh, flavorful, and looks stunning on your holiday table.
Plus, it’s a great way to balance out all those holiday treats!
Let’s dive into this holiday delight!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
For a dairy-free option, goat cheese can be replaced with avocado or a plant-based cheese alternative. Avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats, while plant-based cheese maintains a similar tangy flavor. Adjust the quantity to taste. Pecans can be substituted with walnuts or almonds for different flavor profiles and textures. Toast the nuts lightly to enhance their flavor. Dried cranberries can be replaced with dried cherries or goji berries for a similar tart-sweet taste and chewy texture. These alternatives offer comparable nutritional benefits and maintain the festive appearance of the salad. When making these substitutions, keep the proportions similar to the original recipe to maintain the balance of flavors and textures.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-0 minutes |
| Total Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 900-1000
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 70-80 g
- Carbohydrates: 80-90 g
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup olive oil (extra virgin, for best flavor)
- juice of 1 large lime
- 3 tbsp honey
For the salad:
- 1 cup pecan halves (lightly toasted for crunch)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 6 oz baby spinach
- 3 mandarin oranges (peeled and segmented)
- 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Dressing
Begin by combining all the salad dressing ingredients in a mason jar.
Use a fork to whisk them together well until the mixture is emulsified.
If needed, adjust the flavor by adding more lime juice to suit your taste preferences.
Step 2: Arrange the Salad Ingredients in Individual Bowls
For a beautiful presentation, distribute fresh spinach into each individual salad bowl.
Then top the spinach with the remaining salad ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, or other toppings you’ve chosen.
Step 3: Drizzle with Dressing
Once each salad bowl is assembled, drizzle a generous amount of the prepared salad dressing over the top.
This method allows everyone to enjoy their salad with just the right amount of dressing.
