Mixed greens make a vibrant, refreshing, and surprisingly festive addition to any Christmas meal. While holiday menus often lean toward rich, comforting dishes, this simple mixed greens recipe brings balance, brightness, and beautiful color to the table. Tossed with seasonal accents like dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and a citrus-kissed vinaigrette, these greens offer the perfect contrast to favorites like roasted turkey, prime rib, ham, and creamy casseroles. Whether you're hosting Christmas dinner or contributing a dish to a holiday gathering, this mixed greens recipe delivers freshness and flavor in a way guests truly appreciate.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 large holiday salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens (spring mix, spinach, arugula, or baby kale)
- ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries
- ½ cup candied pecans or toasted walnuts
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1 large apple or pear, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup pomegranate arils (optional, but festive)
For the Citrus Honey Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Salad Base:
Place mixed greens into a large serving bowl. Lightly fluff the greens with clean hands to add air and volume, which keeps the salad looking full and festive. - Add Seasonal Toppings:
Scatter dried cranberries, nuts, cheese, and apple or pear slices over the greens. If using pomegranate arils, sprinkle them on top for a beautiful Christmas-red accent. - Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, citrus juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed. - Dress Just Before Serving:
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad right before serving and toss gently to coat. Start with half the dressing, toss, and add more if needed to avoid overdressing.
Helpful Christmas Cooking Tips
- Keep ingredients cold: Cold greens stay crisp longer, which is especially important if preparing ahead for a holiday meal.
- Prepare in advance: You can slice fruit and assemble toppings in advance; store separately from greens until serving.
- Prevent browning: Toss sliced apples or pears in a bit of lemon juice to keep them vibrant during the Christmas meal.
- Add texture: For more crunch, sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds or crispy shallots.
- Flavor twist: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dressing for a warm holiday note.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
- Sodium: 260mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion
This Christmas Mixed Greens Recipe is a refreshing complement to traditional holiday dishes. It’s simple to prepare, visually stunning, and full of seasonal flavors that fit perfectly on a celebratory table. With its balance of sweet, crunchy, tangy, and creamy ingredients, this salad adds both nutrition and elegance to your Christmas menu. Whether served alongside roasted meats or enjoyed as a light starter, it’s a dish your family and guests will look forward to every holiday season.
