Description
This Christmas Special Salad is a vibrant and festive mix of fresh greens, sweet Bosc pears, juicy pomegranate seeds, and toasted almonds, all brought together with a tangy and slightly sweet Dijon mustard dressing. Perfect as a light holiday appetizer or side dish, it combines refreshing textures and bright flavors that celebrate the season.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 5 ounces mixed greens (spring mix or other)
- 2 Bosc pears, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 shallot, halved and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Arrange the greens: Place the mixed greens on a large plate or serving platter, arranging them evenly but leaving space in the center for the dressing bowl.
- Add the toppings: Scatter the thinly sliced Bosc pears, pomegranate seeds, shallot slices, and sliced almonds over the bed of greens, distributing them evenly for balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Serve: Pour the dressing into a small bowl and place it in the center of the salad. Serve immediately so the greens remain crisp and fresh.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm Bosc pears to avoid mushy texture.
- To toast almonds, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden for added crunch and flavor.
- You can substitute lemon juice with apple cider vinegar for a different tangy note.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh and not stored for long periods to maintain the texture of greens and pears.
- Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a vegan option, but note the diet restriction.
