Red, Green, and White Christmas Salad

This Red, Green, and White Christmas Salad is a vibrant and festive addition to any holiday table. The bright greens of asparagus, beans, and snow peas pair beautifully with the tart sweetness of cranberries and the creamy, salty bite of feta. The light honey mustard dressing ties everything together, adding a tangy yet sweet finish that enhances the natural flavors of the fresh vegetables.

Perfect for making ahead, this salad stays crisp in the fridge until it’s time to serve, making it an ideal choice for stress-free holiday entertaining. Not only does it look gorgeous, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a great option for those who want something light yet satisfying on their holiday menu.

Full Recipe:

  • 2 bunches asparagus
  • 10 oz (300g) green beans
  • 5 oz (150g) snow peas
  • 4 oz (120g) feta, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries

Dressing:

  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 6 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.
  2. Cut the woody ends off the asparagus and cut into thirds. Separate the asparagus heads from the stems.
  3. Trim the green beans and snow peas.
  4. Place the green beans in the boiling water. Once the water comes back to a simmer, cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Add the asparagus stems and cook for another 30 seconds, then add the snow peas and asparagus heads. Cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  6. Drain the vegetables and run cold water over them for 10 seconds to stop the cooking process. Let them dry.
  7. In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients and shake well.
  8. Toss the vegetables with the dressing and transfer to a serving bowl.
  9. Crumble feta over the top and scatter dried cranberries. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 minutes | Total Time: 13 minutes
Kcal: 167 kcal | Servings: 8 (as a side)

The Red, Green, and White Christmas Salad is a show-stopping addition to any holiday spread, embodying the festive spirit with its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors. This salad combines a mix of seasonal green vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, and snow peas, with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the salty creaminess of crumbled feta. It’s not just visually appealing but also brimming with nutritional benefits, making it a crowd-pleaser that caters to both health-conscious eaters and food lovers alike.

A Feast for the Eyes and Palate

One of the standout features of this Christmas salad is its color palette, which naturally mirrors the traditional hues of the holiday season. The vibrant green of the vegetables, the deep red of the cranberries, and the stark white of the feta create a festive visual display that’s bound to catch everyone’s attention. During the holiday season, when indulgent, rich foods like roasts, hams, and casseroles tend to dominate the table, a light and colorful salad like this one provides a welcome contrast, offering a burst of freshness and a lighter alternative.

The appeal of this dish goes beyond its aesthetic. The crunchy texture of the vegetables, blanched just enough to retain their crispness, combined with the chewy sweetness of cranberries and the creamy, slightly salty feta, delivers a delightful medley of flavors and textures. This contrast between fresh and rich, sweet and savory, keeps every bite interesting. The dressing, made with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard, further enhances the dish by adding a tangy-sweet flavor that ties all the elements together beautifully.

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

One of the challenges of planning a holiday meal is finding dishes that can be prepared ahead of time without losing their freshness or flavor. This Christmas salad is the perfect solution for hosts who want to reduce last-minute stress. The vegetables, after being blanched, maintain their crisp texture and can be stored in the fridge for hours, even overnight, without any loss of quality. The dressing can also be prepared in advance and stored separately. When it’s time to serve, you can simply toss the vegetables with the dressing, sprinkle the cranberries and feta on top, and have a fresh, festive dish ready to go in minutes.

Because this salad is so easy to prepare and holds up well over time, it’s also an excellent choice for potlucks, holiday parties, or family gatherings where you may need to transport food. The simplicity of the ingredients means it’s also versatile enough to complement a wide range of main dishes, from hearty roasts and turkey to lighter options like grilled seafood or vegetarian mains.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

In addition to being delicious and visually appealing, the Red, Green, and White Christmas Salad is packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for health-conscious holiday diners. Asparagus, green beans, and snow peas are all excellent sources of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, which support overall health and boost the immune system — something we all need during the busy, often stressful holiday season.

The dried cranberries add not only a burst of sweet-tart flavor but also a dose of antioxidants and dietary fiber. Feta cheese, while rich and creamy, is lower in fat than many other cheeses and contains beneficial probiotics that support gut health. The olive oil in the dressing provides heart-healthy fats, while the lemon juice offers a hit of vitamin C and aids in digestion.

This balance of flavors and textures ensures that the salad feels indulgent, even though it’s packed with ingredients that are good for you. During a time of year when people often feel weighed down by heavy foods, this salad provides a light yet satisfying option that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.

Customizable and Flexible

Another reason why this Christmas salad is so popular is its versatility. While the combination of ingredients in the original recipe is perfect for the holiday season, you can easily modify it to suit your preferences or what you have available in your pantry. For example, if you prefer a different type of cheese, goat cheese or ricotta salata can be excellent substitutes for feta. If you’re looking for a vegan option, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. You can also switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you prefer — broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or kale could work equally well in this recipe.

Similarly, if you want to experiment with the dressing, you can add balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor, or even some orange zest for a citrusy punch that further complements the holiday theme. The possibilities are endless, and the recipe provides a great foundation for you to get creative with your ingredients.

The Importance of Balance in Holiday Meals

The holiday season is synonymous with indulgence — it’s a time for festive feasts, decadent desserts, and hearty meals shared with loved ones. However, it’s important to strike a balance between indulgence and nutrition, ensuring that your holiday menu includes not only rich and flavorful dishes but also lighter options that help offset some of the heaviness.

This Christmas salad provides exactly that balance. It’s light enough to serve as a starter or side dish without overpowering the main course, but it’s also flavorful and satisfying enough to hold its own alongside more indulgent offerings. Its bright, fresh flavors cleanse the palate, making it an excellent accompaniment to richer dishes like glazed ham, roasted turkey, or savory stuffing. Plus, because it’s packed with fiber and nutrients, it helps you feel satisfied without overindulging.

Conclusion

The Red, Green, and White Christmas Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a festive and flavorful celebration of the season’s best produce. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a perfect addition to any holiday table, while its simplicity and make-ahead nature make it a stress-free choice for busy hosts. With its combination of fresh, crisp vegetables, sweet-tart cranberries, and creamy feta, all brought together by a tangy-sweet dressing, this salad is sure to become a holiday favorite.

Whether you’re looking to add a lighter option to your holiday feast or you need a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck or family gathering, this salad has you covered. It’s versatile, healthy, and easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for the festive season. So, as you plan your holiday menu, consider adding this vibrant and nutritious salad to the mix — it’s sure to bring some extra color and cheer to your celebrations.

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