Best 3 Holiday Spinach Salad Recipes

In the realm of holiday culinary delights, the Holiday Spinach Salad emerges as a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors. With a base of fresh, crisp spinach leaves, this salad invites a medley of ingredients to create a vibrant and festive dish. Roasted butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness and warmth, while dried cranberries offer bursts of tartness. Candied pecans provide a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor, while crumbled goat cheese lends a creamy tanginess. A drizzle of tangy-sweet balsamic vinaigrette completes the salad, bringing all the elements together in a harmonious union. Alongside this main recipe, the article also presents two additional variations: a Vegan Holiday Spinach Salad, tailored for those seeking a plant-based option, and a Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing, sure to please bacon enthusiasts. With its versatility and flavor-packed components, the Holiday Spinach Salad promises to be a star attraction at your holiday table, while the accompanying recipes cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HOLIDAY SPINACH SALAD

Holiday Spinach Salad image

The ginger-honey dressing makes this fruit, cheese and nut combo irresistible!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Side Dish

Time 20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

8 cups bite-size pieces fresh spinach
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup honeydew melon balls
1/2 cup broken pecans, toasted
1/2 cup julienne strips Gouda or Edam cheese (3 oz)
3 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon grated gingerroot or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Steps:

In large serving bowl, mix all salad ingredients.
In tightly covered container, shake all dressing ingredients until well blended. Pour over salad; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 165, Carbohydrate 14 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 190 mg

HOLIDAY SPINACH SALAD

HOLIDAY SPINACH SALAD image

Categories Salad Vegetable

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 bunch spinach, rinsed and torn into bite -size pieces
2 tablespoons red raspberry jam (with seeds)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/3 cup walnut oil
2 tomatoes, chopped
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
salt to taste 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Arrange walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in oven for 5 minutes, or until nuts begin to brown. In a large bowl, toss together the spinach, walnuts, cranberries, blue cheese, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion. In a small bowl, whisk together jam, vinegar, walnut oil, pepper, and salt. Pour over the salad just before serving, and toss to coat. Nutrition Information Servings Per Recipe: 6 Calories: 338 Amount Per Serving Total Fat: 27.1g Cholesterol: 8mg Sodium: 271mg Amount Per Serving Total Carbs: 22.1g Dietary Fiber: 5.4g Protein: 6.7g

HOLIDAY SPINACH SALAD

Holiday Spinach Salad image

We don't care for cooked spinach. But we can't get enough of fresh spinach in salads, especially when paired with strawberries, oranges, peanuts! A citrus dressing provides fresh flavor.-Jake Haen, Ocala, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
4 cups torn red leaf lettuce
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 cup honey-roasted peanuts
1/4 cup sliced green onions
CITRUS VINAIGRETTE:
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, lettuce, strawberries, oranges, peanuts and onions., In a small bowl, whisk the vinaigrette ingredients until blended. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

Utilize fresh ingredients: The foundation of a delightful spinach salad lies in the freshness of its components. Select vibrant, crisp spinach leaves, succulent berries, and crunchy nuts for an elevated taste experience.
Play with textures: Incorporate a variety of textures to create a more captivating salad. Combine crisp spinach with soft berries, crunchy nuts, and creamy goat cheese for a symphony of textures.
Balance flavors: Strive for a harmonious blend of flavors in your salad. Sweet berries, tangy dressing, and salty cheese collaborate to create a captivating taste journey.
Make it visually appealing: Arrange the salad components aesthetically to enhance its visual appeal. Scatter berries and nuts atop the spinach leaves, creating pops of color and texture.
Experiment with dressings: Venture beyond traditional dressings and explore unique flavor combinations. A tangy vinaigrette, creamy goat cheese dressing, or sweet honey mustard dressing can elevate your salad to new heights.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the vibrant flavors and textures of this versatile Holiday Spinach Salad. With its medley of fresh spinach, succulent berries, crunchy nuts, and creamy goat cheese, this salad is a feast for both the palate and the eyes. Whether served as a refreshing side dish or as a light main course, this salad is sure to impress. Experiment with different dressing options to create a dish that suits your taste preferences. Embrace the flexibility of this recipe and make it your own, transforming it into a cherished holiday tradition.