Best 3 Holiday Spinach Salad Recipes

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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.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

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

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

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

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.

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