Description
A festive and crunchy Christmas Apple Salad combining fresh greens, sweet apples, and a delightful mix of toppings like dried cranberries, bacon, and caramelized walnuts. Dressed with a tangy and slightly sweet olive oil vinaigrette, this colorful salad is perfect for holiday gatherings and adds a nutritious touch to your festive meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Greens
- 1 head Romaine Lettuce (Ensure the leaves are crisp and vibrant.)
- 1 bag Spring Salad Mix or Spinach (Opt for organic to avoid pesticides.)
Fruits & Vegetables
- 2 cups Fuji or Honeycrisp Apples (Sweet and juicy; choose firm apples.)
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (Select glossy, firm peppers.)
- 1 medium Red Onion (Soak in water for a milder taste if needed.)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Cranberries (Look for unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties.)
- 4 slices Bacon (Consider nitrate-free for a healthier option.)
- 1/2 cup Pepitas (or Sunflower Seeds) (Choose roasted for extra flavor.)
- 1/2 cup Caramelized Walnuts (Making your own is cost-effective.)
- 1/2 cup Feta Cheese (Choose high-quality cheese for the best results.)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (High-quality cold-pressed is recommended.)
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (Organic is preferred.)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (Local honey may help with allergies.)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar (Consider substitutes like agave.)
- 1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds (Add delightful texture.)
- to taste Salt and Pepper (Essential seasonings.)
- 1 tablespoon Dried Minced Onions (Strengthens flavor when fresh onions are too pungent.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Greens: Wash the romaine lettuce and spring mix thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place all greens into a large salad bowl to serve as the base of the salad.
- Marinate the Apples: Slice the Fuji or Honeycrisp apples and toss them with a tablespoon of lemon juice. This prevents browning and adds brightness. Let the apples marinate for about 5 minutes to absorb the lemon flavor.
- Add Fruit and Veggies: Add the marinated apple slices, dried cranberries, and crispy bacon bits to the salad bowl. Chop the red bell pepper into small pieces and thinly slice the red onion, adding these to the salad for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, sugar, salt, pepper, poppy seeds, and dried minced onions until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to coat the salad evenly without bruising the greens.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the dressed salad to a serving platter. Sprinkle caramelized walnuts and roasted pepitas over the top to add extra texture and festive flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad crispness and freshness.
Notes
- Soak the red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for marinating apples to prevent browning effectively.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon or substitute with smoked tempeh or sautéed mushrooms.
- Ensure nuts are fresh and caramelized just before serving for best texture and flavor.
- The dressing can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- This salad is best served immediately after dressing to maintain crispness.
