Holiday Tossed Salad
A festive tossed salad featuring fresh greens, sweet mandarin oranges, cranberries, apples, nuts, and cheddar, all coated in a tangy raspberry vinaigrette. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Just before serving, drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using toasted walnuts or pecans instead of raw. If you prefer a different cheese, feta or goat cheese can also work well. For a lighter version, you can substitute the raspberry vinaigrette with a homemade dressing using balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The sweetness of the mandarin oranges balances the tartness of the vinaigrette perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Tossed Salad makes a vibrant side dish for festive meals or a light lunch on its own. Pair it with roasted chicken or a hearty soup for a complete meal. It also complements American recipes well, making it a versatile addition to your holiday table. For a satisfying vegetarian option, serve alongside Vegetable Crouton Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve to prevent the greens from wilting. To refresh the salad, lightly toss it again before serving, adding a bit more dressing if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Tossed Salad contains roughly 568 calories, with 12g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately. Combine the salad greens, fruits, and nuts in a bowl, and keep the vinaigrette in a jar. Just before serving, toss everything together for the freshest taste.
What can I substitute for the dried cranberries?
If you don’t have dried cranberries, you can use dried cherries or raisins as a substitute. Both will provide a similar sweetness and texture. Fresh berries, like blueberries or chopped strawberries, can also be a delightful alternative.
Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of cheese and nuts to cut down on calories and fat. Additionally, opt for a low-fat raspberry vinaigrette or use a homemade dressing to control the ingredients. This will still yield a delicious salad that fits within your dietary preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).