Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

This Winter Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a fast, festive side that looks impressive without the fuss. Ready in minutes, it balances crisp greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, and tangy feta for a bright plate everyone will reach for. Tossed with a simple honey Dijon vinaigrette and finished with crunchy walnuts, it’s holiday-ready and weeknight-friendly. If you like quick salads that pair with bold mains, try it alongside crispy buffalo tofu with creamy Caesar for a speedy complete meal.

Why This Recipe Works

This salad succeeds because each ingredient plays a tight, obvious role: greens for volume, tomatoes and cucumber for freshness, onion and feta for bite, and walnuts for texture. The dressing is the hero—honey and Dijon create sweet and sharp harmony while olive oil smooths everything out. It’s forgiving: no strict slicing technique or precise measurements are required, so you can move fast. The components are common pantry and fridge staples, which keeps prep time low. Use pre-washed mixed greens and pre-toasted walnuts to shave off extra minutes when you’re short on time. The result is festive enough for a holiday table and light enough to balance heavier mains.

Flavor and Texture

Expect a bright contrast of flavors and textures in every forkful. Mixed greens provide a tender base while cherry tomatoes add burst and sweetness. Cucumber keeps the bite cool and hydrating, and sharp red onion cuts through with a crisp tang. Creamy feta brings salty richness that pairs beautifully with the honey in the dressing. Walnuts add the finishing crunch and a nutty warmth that complements both cheese and mustard. The honey mustard dressing ties it all together without overwhelming delicate greens.

Ingredients

– mixed greens
– cherry tomatoes
– cucumber
– red onion
– feta cheese
– walnuts
– honey
– Dijon mustard
– olive oil
– salt
– pepper

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and walnuts.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately as a festive side dish.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Use pre-washed salad greens and halved cherry tomatoes from the store to cut prep time dramatically. Swap chopped pecans or toasted almonds for walnuts if that’s what you have on hand. If you want an extra crunch without toasting, use store-roasted walnuts. Make the dressing in a jar, shake it, and store it separately for up to two days so leaves stay crisp. For an easy entertaining trick, assemble the salad ingredients in a shallow serving bowl and pour the dressing table-side so everything looks fresh and vibrant. For more holiday side inspiration, check out 25 best Christmas Eve finger food ideas.

Storage and Meal Prep

Leftovers keep best if the dressing is stored separately from the greens. Refrigerate the dressed salad in an airtight container and consume within 24 hours for best texture. If you anticipate leftovers, chop cucumber and tomatoes and store them in a sealed container, then toss with greens and dressing right before serving. The dressing itself will keep in the fridge for up to a week; shake well before using.

Short Closing Note

This salad is fast, flexible, and festive perfect for last-minute holiday sides or a speedy weeknight boost. Keep the ingredients simple and the dressing bright to let fresh flavors shine.

Conclusion

For a similar festive take and more plating ideas, see the original inspiration at Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing – Half Baked Harvest.

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