Salad with Sweet Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

If you are looking for a dazzling way to brighten up your holiday table, this Salad with Sweet Honey Mustard Dressing will become your new go-to dish. Combining fresh, crisp greens with the jewel-toned pop of pomegranate seeds, creamy avocado, and sweet, crunchy candied nuts, this salad is a celebration of vibrant colors and textures. The star of the show is the luscious sweet honey mustard dressing, enriched with fig preserves and a hint of orange zest, which wraps every bite in a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Whether it’s Christmas or any special occasion, this salad offers a wonderful mix of freshness and festive flair that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe blends simple yet essential ingredients that each bring their magic to the salad. From the crispness of fresh greens and fruits to the richness of creamy avocado and crumbled cheese, everything works in harmony to create a delightful taste and texture profile.

• Raw walnut halves (1 1/2 cups): Toasted and candied for a crunchy, sweet-spicy contrast.
• Hulled pumpkin seeds (1/2 cup): Add a nutty bite and a lovely green color.
• Honey or pure maple syrup (1/3 cup): Sweetens the nuts naturally for that irresistible glaze.
• Chipotle powder (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle smoky heat to balance the sweetness.
• Kosher salt and chili flakes: Enhance flavors with a touch of savory and spice.
• Assorted salad greens (6 cups): The fresh and earthy base of the salad.
• Curly endive (2 cups): Brings a slightly bitter crunch for complexity.
• Apples or pears (1–2, chopped): Sweet and crisp fruit for freshness and bite.
• Avocados (2, sliced): Creamy texture that balances the crisp elements.
• Pomegranate seeds (2 cups): Bursting jewels of tart sweetness that brighten every forkful.
• Crumbled cheese, blue/goat/feta (1 cup): Provides tang and creaminess.
• Extra-virgin olive oil (1/3 cup): The smooth base of the dressing.
• Balsamic or apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds acidity to lift flavors.
• Dijon mustard (2 tsp): For a gentle bite and emulsification.
• Honey (2 tbsp): Sweetens the dressing naturally and complements the mustard.
• Fig preserves (1 tbsp): Infuses a subtle fruity sweetness that enhances the honey mustard dressing.
• Grated orange zest (2 tsp): Introduces a bright citrus aroma.
• Orange juice (2 tbsp): Adds juicy freshness and balances flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt: To season perfectly.

How to Make Salad with Sweet Honey Mustard Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Candied Nuts and Seeds

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, toss the walnut halves and pumpkin seeds with honey or maple syrup, chipotle powder, kosher salt, and chili flakes for a lively sweet and spicy coating. Spread them out evenly on the baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through so they toast evenly. Once fragrant and golden, remove from the oven, sprinkle with flaky salt, and allow to cool completely—this step is crucial to lock in that satisfying crunch.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

Grab a large salad bowl and combine your fresh assorted salad greens with curly endive. Then, add the chopped apples or pears and sliced avocados for that lovely creaminess and fruitiness. Next, sprinkle generously with pomegranate seeds to bring an unexpectedly tart burst in each bite. For richness and tang, crumble your choice of blue, goat, or feta cheese over the top. Finally, scatter the cooled candied nuts and seeds—it’s the textural surprise that will make everyone smile.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sweet Honey Mustard Dressing

In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar of choice, Dijon mustard, honey, fig preserves, orange zest, orange juice, black pepper, and kosher salt. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously or whisk well until the dressing becomes smooth and harmonious. The fig preserves add a unique fruity depth to this Salad with Sweet Honey Mustard Dressing that sets it apart from your typical vinaigrette.

Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad

Just before serving, drizzle your homemade sweet honey mustard dressing over the salad ingredients. With gentle hands, toss everything together to ensure every leaf and chunk of fruit gets kissed by the luscious dressing. It’s best enjoyed immediately to keep the greens crisp and the flavors fresh.

How to Serve Salad with Sweet Honey Mustard Dressing

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional pomegranate seeds and a few whole candied walnuts atop the salad. A light grating of fresh orange zest over the top can enhance the citrus brightness beautifully. These small garnishes invite guests to savor each bite with excitement and anticipation.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with oven-roasted turkey or baked salmon, making it ideal for holiday feasts. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a warm, crusty bread and a hearty lentil stew to balance the refreshing crunch with comforting depth.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests, try layering the salad ingredients in a clear glass trifle bowl to showcase the vibrant colors. Alternatively, serve individual portions in small, clear cups for a charming appetizer presentation. Either way, the colorful elements and glossy sweet honey mustard dressing will steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The salad is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator without the dressing. Add the salad with sweet honey mustard dressing just before serving again to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

Because of the fresh greens and fruit, this salad does not freeze well. The textures would unfortunately become limp and watery upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. If you want to enjoy the candied nuts warm, you can toast an extra batch to add a cozy crunch to the salad later on.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds would work beautifully and still provide that delightful crunch and sweetness after candying.

Is there a vegan alternative for the cheese?

Yes, you can use plant-based goat cheese or feta alternatives to keep the recipe vegan without sacrificing the tangy creaminess.

What if I don’t have fig preserves on hand?

You can substitute with apricot preserves or even a bit of fruit chutney for a similar sweet and fruity depth in the dressing.

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely. The dressing can be whisked and refrigerated for up to three days. Just give it a good shake or stir before using as it may separate.

How important is the orange zest in the dressing?

Orange zest adds a refreshing aromatic lift that brightens the dressing. While you can skip it in a pinch, it really elevates the flavor profile of the Salad with Sweet Honey Mustard Dressing.

Final Thoughts

This Salad with Sweet Honey Mustard Dressing isn’t just a salad; it’s a little festive party on a plate. The blend of flavors, colors, and textures makes it a delightful centerpiece that’s as joyful to look at as it is to eat. Whether for Christmas or any special gathering, this recipe invites you to enjoy fresh, wholesome ingredients dressed up to impress. Trust me, once you try it, this salad will be a beloved tradition on your table.