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When it comes to holiday gatherings, everyone seems to have their go-to dishes that they love to bring. For me, it’s always a salad. Whether it’s a festive family get-together or a casual potluck with friends, a vibrant salad is not only refreshing but also a fantastic way to showcase seasonal flavors. This year, as I prepare for the holiday season, I’m once again excited to whip up a variety of salads that highlight the incredible produce of Arizona.

The foundation of any great salad lies in the greens. They are truly the stars of the dish, the bedrock upon which all other delicious toppings rest. Choosing refreshing, high-quality greens can elevate your salad from ordinary to extraordinary. Did you know that Arizona is renowned for its winter production of leafy greens? With our unique climate, Arizona boasts some of the freshest and most flavorful lettuces and greens during the colder months, making it easier than ever to create delicious and nutritious salads.

In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite holiday salad recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends, all while highlighting the wonderful greens grown right here in Arizona.

1. Apple Cranberry Salad with Walnut and Dijon Dressing

This salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that celebrates the best of fall and winter produce. Crisp apple slices and juicy cranberries are paired with crunchy walnuts and tangy Dijon dressing, creating a harmonious dish that’s perfect for any holiday table.

Ingredients:

• Fresh Arizona-grown mixed greens
• 2 apples, cored and sliced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta (optional)

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple slices, cranberries, and toasted walnuts.
2. In a small jar, shake together olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad before serving, and toss gently. Top with crumbled feta if using.

2. Pomegranate and Pear Winter Salad

This visually stunning salad is not only beautiful to look at but is also packed with flavor. The sweetness of ripe pears and pomegranate seeds adds a festive touch, while a light vinaigrette brightens the entire dish.

Ingredients:

• Arugula or baby spinach from Arizona farms
• 2 ripe pears, sliced
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• Goat cheese (optional)

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a salad bowl, combine arugula (or baby spinach), slices of pear, pomegranate seeds, and sliced almonds.
2. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle dressing over the salad, and toss gently. Add crumbled goat cheese if desired.

3. Winter Broccoli Salad

This hearty salad is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of crunch! Broccoli florets, bacon bits, and a creamy dressing make it a substantial side dish that pairs wonderfully with holiday feasts.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, raisins, and sunflower seeds.
2. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir the dressing into the broccoli mixture until evenly coated. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

4. Roasted Beet and Kale Salad

Beets add a beautiful pop of color and earthiness to your holiday salad spread. When roasted, their sweetness complements the robust flavor of kale, making for a winning combination.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium beets, peeled and cut into wedges
• 4 cups kale, stems removed
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss beet wedges in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
2. Massage kale with a bit of salt to soften it.
3. In a large bowl, combine the roasted beets, kale, feta, and walnuts.
4. Drizzle with a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then toss to combine.

5. Arugula and Persimmon Salad

Persimmons, in season during fall and winter, add a unique sweetness to this salad. Paired with peppery arugula and a zesty citrus dressing, this dish shines on any holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups arugula
• 2 ripe persimmons, sliced
• 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
• Fresh mozzarella balls (optional)

Dressing:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together arugula, persimmons, pistachios, and mozzarella balls if using.
2. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently.

6. Winter Kale and Quinoa Salad

Kale packs a nutritional punch, and when combined with hearty quinoa, it creates a filling salad that also serves as a perfect main dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chopped kale
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine kale, quinoa, cranberries, almonds, and goat cheese.
2. For the dressing, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly.

7. The Ultimate Winter Salad

Why settle for one style of salad when you can have them all? This ultimate winter salad combines flavors, textures, and colors to create a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed greens from Arizona farms
• 1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts
• 1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup feta cheese

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine mixed greens, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, pomegranate seeds, and feta cheese in a large bowl.
2. To make the dressing, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad before serving.

8. Winter Greens Salad with Maple Dressing

This salad celebrates the natural sweetness of winter greens. The maple dressing adds a delightful touch that lingers after each bite.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups winter greens (spinach, kale, or Swiss chard)
• 1/2 cup sliced apples
• 1/4 cup dried blueberries
• 1/4 cup pecans

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a salad bowl, combine winter greens, apple slices, dried blueberries, and pecans.
2. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle over the salad and toss to combine.

9. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels sprouts don’t have to be just a side dish! When shaved and tossed with a handful of flavorful ingredients, they make a wonderful salad.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shaved Brussels sprouts
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine shaved Brussels sprouts, walnuts, parmesan cheese, and cranberries in a bowl.
2. Make the dressing by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper together.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix well.

Freshness Guaranteed

All of these salads are best enjoyed with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Arizona agriculture produces an impressive variety of leafy greens, making it easy to incorporate farm-fresh elements into your holiday meals. For more information about Arizona’s growing seasons and the benefits of eating locally, you can check out the Fill Your Plate blog. It offers great resources about local produce, and seasonal recipes—and it’s always inspiring to see what our local farmers are producing.

Conclusion

As you prepare for the upcoming holiday season, consider bringing a delicious salad to the table that utilizes the amazing greens and produce grown right here in Arizona. Not only will it add a fresh and vibrant touch to your meal, but it also supports local farmers and ensures that you’re serving the highest quality ingredients. So, gather those fresh greens, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy making these delightful salads that your family and friends are sure to love!

Happy holiday cooking!

By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern