Best 4 Mexican Christmas Eve Salad Ensalada De Noche Buena Recipes

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In the heart of Mexican cuisine, where flavors dance and traditions intertwine, lies a culinary gem known as Ensalada de Noche Buena, the Christmas Eve Salad. This vibrant and refreshing salad holds a special place in Mexican hearts, gracing dinner tables during the Noche Buena festivities. As you embark on a culinary journey through this article, discover the authentic recipe for this classic dish, along with exciting variations that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. From the traditional mayonnaise-based dressing to a tangy vinaigrette and a creamy avocado dressing, these recipes offer a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your palate. Whether you prefer the classic combination of beets, carrots, potatoes, and jicama, or crave the crunch of apples and walnuts, these variations promise a delightful experience for every salad enthusiast.

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

ENSALADA DE NOCHE BUENA (CHRISTMAS EVE)



Ensalada de Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 head Romaine lettuce
2 beets, cooked and julienned
2 apples, peeled and sliced into wedges
2 oranges, peeled and segmented
2 bananas peeled and sliced into rounds
1 cup fresh pineapple cubes
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, vinegar, salt, and cilantro. Set aside. Wash and dry lettuce leaves and then shred. Arrange the lettuce on the bottom of a glass bowl and then layer beets and fruit on top of lettuce, it can be mixed, although, doesn't have to be. Top with peanuts and pour the dressing over the salad.

ENSALADA DE NOCHE BUENA



Ensalada De Noche Buena image

Christmas Eve Salad recipe from Cooking Light in an article featuring Santa Fe, New Mexico. "This salad provides a cooling contrast to other spicy flavors at the holiday table." Their suggested wine to serve with this, of course, comes from NM: Gruet Brut NV. Cooking time is chilling time. Their photo is gorgeous-love the colors and this recipe has no beets in it. Posting for safekeeping.

Provided by WiGal

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 large navel oranges
1 large red grapefruit
3 cups jicama, peeled and cubed in 1 inch chunks
3/4 cup red radish, slivered about 6 of them
1 1/2 teaspoons lime zest
3 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons plain fat-free yogurt
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 dash salt
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup pomegranate seeds
3 tablespoons unsalted pumpkin seeds, toasted
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Steps:

  • Peel and section oranges and grapefruit over a large bowl, reserving juice; add sections to juice.
  • Add jicama and radishes to orange mixture; toss gently.
  • Cover and chill 30 minutes.
  • Combine zest and next 6 ingredients (through salt) in a small bowl, stirring until smooth.
  • Arrange lettuce in a large bowl.
  • Using a slotted spoon, place the orange mixture over lettuce; drizzle evenly with yogurt mixture.
  • Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, pumpkinseed kernels, and cilantro right before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 125.5, Fat 2.1, SaturatedFat 0.3, Cholesterol 1.4, Sodium 63.8, Carbohydrate 26.9, Fiber 6.3, Sugar 16.3, Protein 2.6

ENSALADA DE NOCHE BUENA (CHRISTMAS EVE SALAD)



Ensalada De Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Salad) image

A beautiful festive salad. Perfect salad to serve at holiday gatherings. Adapted from a recipe I found many years ago. I don't add the coconut but the original recipe did. I use the canned fruits for ease when making this to take to a potlucks, however fresh fruits and beets can be used. Dressing can be made earlier in day also.

Provided by Tarynne

Categories     Oranges

Time 10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 head romaine lettuce, wash dried & torn into small pieces
1 (16 ounce) can julienned beets, drained
2 apples, peeled and diced
1 (16 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
2 bananas, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 (16 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
1/2 cup peanuts
1/4-1/2 cup shaved fresh coconut (optional)
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)

Steps:

  • Instructions: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, vinegar, salt and cilantro.
  • Set aside.
  • Place lettuce into salad bowl, top with beets and fruit.
  • Add dressing and toss lightly to mix.
  • Top with peanuts, coconut and/or pomegranite seeds.

MEXICAN CHRISTMAS EVE SALAD (ENSALADA DE NOCHE BUENA)



MEXICAN CHRISTMAS EVE SALAD (ENSALADA DE NOCHE BUENA) image

Categories     Salad     Side     No-Cook     Christmas Eve

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 beets (roasted in foil at 400degrees for 1.5 hrs, cooled, peeled, & sliced)
2 navel oranges peeled and sliced horizontally
1 red apple, unpeeled, cored, and sliced horizontally
1 green apple, unpeeled, cored and sliced horizontally
1/2 jicama, skinned and julienned (about 1/2 C)
1/2 Cup Fresh Pineapple in 1" pieces
1/2 C minced red onion
1 C grated carrots
12 C salad greedns
4 T olive oil
4 T red wine vinegar
4 T orange juice
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 large banana sliced at an angle
1 C fresh pomegranate seeds
1/2 C chopped dry-roasted peanuts

Steps:

  • Make the salad dressing by combining olive oil, vinegar,orange juice, salt & pepper in a glass jar. Shake until oil is emulsified. Arrange sliced beets, oranges,and sliced apples in a large circle alternating the slices. Toss the salad greens, carrots, onion, pineapple, jicama, and salad dressing together and mound in the center of the ring. Top with banana slices, pomegranate seeds and chopped peanuts.

Tips:

  • Use the freshest ingredients possible. The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your salad will taste.
  • Don't overcook the beets. They should be tender but still have a little bit of crunch to them.
  • Use a variety of textures and colors in your salad. This will make it more visually appealing and interesting to eat.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make this salad, so feel free to customize it to your own taste.
  • Make sure to let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop.

Conclusion:

Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena) is a delicious and festive dish that is perfect for any holiday gathering. With its vibrant colors and sweet and tangy flavor, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a unique and flavorful salad to serve, give this Mexican Christmas Eve Salad a try.

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