Name: Irresistibly Savory Holiday Honeycrisp Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Frisée Lettuce (Adds a light and refreshing crunch; substitute with spinach for a softer texture.); 2 cups Wild Arugula (Provides a peppery bite; can be replaced with regular arugula for a milder flavor.); 2 cups Honeycrisp Apples (The star of the salad, offering juiciness and sweetness; other apple varieties can be used.); 1 cup Candied Walnuts (Contributes sweetness and crunch; alternatives include pecans or almonds.); 1 cup Blue Cheese (Offers a creamy and tangy depth; goat cheese or feta can be used for a similar effect.); 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (Brightens the salad; lemon juice can serve as a substitute.); 2 tbsp Honey (Acts as a sweetener to enhance flavors; agave syrup is a suitable replacement.); 1/4 cup Olive Oil (Provides a silky dressing to unify the salad; can substitute with avocado oil.); 1 tsp Cinnamon (Adds warmth and spice; leave out if less spice is preferred.); 1 tsp Black Pepper (Offers a pop of spice; adjust to taste.); 1 tsp Cumin Powder (Introduces an earthy flavor note; omit if not preferred.); 1/2 tsp Salt (Balances the flavors.)

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The holiday season brings with it a bustling atmosphere filled with joy—and a need for quick yet impressive dishes to share with family and friends. I found myself in a delightful dilemma when preparing for this year’s gathering; I wanted something festive, full of flavor, yet easy to whip up in between decorating and holiday preparations. Enter my Savory Delicious Holiday Honeycrisp Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts!

Imagine that first delightful bite: the crisp pop of Honeycrisp apples bursting with sweetness, perfectly balanced by the rich creaminess of blue cheese and the satisfying crunch of candied walnuts. This salad transforms any meal into a celebration, and its vibrant ingredients shine on the table. Best of all, it’s completely customizable! Whether you’re hosting a large feast or simply want a light, healthy dish to accompany your holiday favorites, this salad fits the bill and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Let’s dive into this effortless and festive recipe that’s sure to impress!

Why is Savory Delicious Holiday Honeycrisp Salad a Must-Try?

Bursting with flavors, this salad effortlessly combines sweetness and crunch, making it a festive centerpiece.
Quick and Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy holiday schedules while impressing your guests with minimal effort.
Customizable to your liking, swap ingredients like arugula or nuts to cater to every palate.
Nutritionally Rich, it’s a delightful way to enjoy fresh produce and healthy fats during the indulgent season.
Versatile enough to complement roasted meats or stand alone, this holiday salad is bound to become a cherished favorite on your festive table.

Savory Delicious Holiday Honeycrisp Salad Ingredients

• Find all you need to create this festive dish right here!

For the Greens

Frisée Lettuce – Adds a light and refreshing crunch; substitute with spinach for a softer texture.
Wild Arugula – Provides a peppery bite; can be replaced with regular arugula for a milder flavor.

For the Salad Base

Honeycrisp Apples – The star of the salad, offering juiciness and sweetness; other apple varieties can be used but may vary in texture and flavor.
Candied Walnuts – Contributes sweetness and crunch; alternatives include pecans or almonds.
Blue Cheese – Offers a creamy and tangy depth; goat cheese or feta can be used for a similar effect.

For the Dressing

Apple Cider Vinegar – Brightens the salad; lemon juice can serve as a substitute.
Honey – Acts as a sweetener to enhance flavors in this savory delicious holiday Honeycrisp salad; agave syrup is a suitable replacement.
Olive Oil – Provides a silky dressing to unify the salad; can substitute with avocado oil.

For Seasoning

Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; leave out if less spice is preferred.
Black Pepper – Offers a pop of spice; adjust to taste.
Cumin Powder – Introduces an earthy flavor note; omit if not preferred.
Salt – Balances the flavors and is essential for enhancing taste.

How to Make Savory Delicious Holiday Honeycrisp Salad

Prepare Vinaigrette: In a mason jar, combine apple cider vinegar, honey, cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, salt, and olive oil. Shake until the ingredients are well emulsified and the dressing is smooth.
Prep Greens: Wash and dry the frisée and wild arugula thoroughly. Tear the frisée into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large salad bowl with the arugula for a delightful mix.
Chop Apples: Core and slice the Honeycrisp apples into thin wedges, letting their vibrant color and sweetness shine as you scatter them over the bed of greens.
Assemble Ingredients: Gently fold in the candied walnuts and crumbled blue cheese, being careful not to crush the greens for a beautiful presentation.
Dress Salad: Give the vinaigrette one final shake before drizzling it generously over the salad. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly, then taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Serve: Whether you plate the salad individually or present it in a large serving bowl, it’s now ready to be admired and enjoyed by friends and family alike!

Optional: Add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for an extra festive flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Savory Delicious Holiday Honeycrisp Salad

Prep Ahead: Make the vinaigrette ahead of time for better flavor melding, saving you precious moments on busy holiday days.
Keep Greens Crisp: Always store dressing separately until just before serving to ensure your salad maintains its delightful crunch.
Flavor Twists: Don’t hesitate to customize; adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can elevate the sweet and savory balance in this savory delicious Holiday Honeycrisp salad.
Control Spice: Adjust black pepper and cinnamon levels to suit your family’s palate; too much spice can overwhelm the sweetness of the apples.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to play around with substitutes, like using goat cheese instead of blue cheese, to cater to different dietary preferences!

Make Ahead Options

These Savory Delicious Holiday Honeycrisp Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld beautifully. Additionally, chop and slice the Honeycrisp apples up to 24 hours ahead; to prevent browning, toss them in a little lemon juice after slicing. Store the apples and greens separately in airtight containers for optimal freshness. Just before serving, simply combine everything in a large bowl, drizzle the vinaigrette, and toss gently for a salad that’s just as delicious as when made fresh!

What to Serve with Savory Delicious Holiday Honeycrisp Salad?

Transform your holiday table into a feast for the senses with companion dishes that elevate this delightful salad experience.

Roast Turkey: Juicy, succulent turkey pairs beautifully with the crisp, sweet elements of the salad, creating a well-rounded meal.
Glazed Ham: The sweet glaze on ham echoes the candied walnuts in the salad for a harmonious flavor interplay.
Baked Brie: A warm, creamy baked brie adds richness to your holiday spread, perfect for dipping with crackers alongside this fresh salad.
Herb-Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned root vegetables provide warmth and earthiness, balancing the bright flavors of the salad beautifully.
Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf complements the crunchy elements in the salad while keeping the meal light and healthy.
Sparkling Cider: Refreshing sparkling cider serves as a festive beverage option that enhances the salad’s sweetness without overwhelming it.
Apple Crisp: A light apple crisp for dessert resonates with the Honeycrisp apples in the salad, keeping the apple theme delightful.
Fresh Fruit Platter: A variety of seasonal fruits can bring a refreshing touch, making dessert feel vibrant and seasonal.
Cheese Board: An assortment of cheeses adds complexity to the meal, making every bite a delightful contrast to the salad’s textures.
Chocolate Mousse: End your holiday feast on a rich note with a velvety chocolate mousse, providing a satisfying contrast to the crisp salad.

How to Store and Freeze Savory Delicious Holiday Honeycrisp Salad

Fridge: Store any leftover salad components in airtight containers. Greens and dressing should be kept separate to maintain freshness, lasting up to 2 days.
Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing this salad, as the crisp apples and greens won’t hold up well once thawed, compromising texture and flavor.
Reheating: If you’ve made the vinaigrette in bulk, it can be refrigerated and used within a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Assembly Reminder: Combine ingredients just before serving for optimal freshness and to prevent sogginess in this savory delicious holiday Honeycrisp salad.

Savory Delicious Holiday Honeycrisp Salad Variations

Customize this delightful salad to make it your own and elevate your holiday gatherings with creative twists!

Greens Swap: Replace frisée with kale or baby spinach for a different texture and flavor.
Creamy Alternatives: Use goat cheese or feta instead of blue cheese for a tangy twist, catering to various taste preferences.
Nutty Twists: Incorporate other nuts like roasted pecans or crispy almonds for an added crunch that enhances each bite.
Sweet Additions: Toss in dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots to introduce a burst of sweetness and color, making the salad even more festive.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a surprising heat that balances the sweetness of the apples.
Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs, like mint or basil, on top for a refreshing finish that brings a burst of aroma and flavor with every bite.
Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the dressing for a bright, zesty flavor that lifts the entire dish.
Vegan Option: Replace honey with maple syrup and use vegan cheese to create a plant-based version that’s equally delicious.

Savory Delicious Holiday Honeycrisp Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts Recipe FAQs

What type of Honeycrisp apples should I use?
Absolutely! Look for Honeycrisp apples that are firm to the touch and free from dark spots or blemishes. They should feel crisp and have a slightly glossy skin. The sweeter and fresher, the better, so if you can, visit a local farmer’s market for the best selection!

How should I store leftover salad?
Very straightforward! Store the salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. The greens and dressing can last up to 2 days in the fridge. Just keep those tasty elements apart until you’re ready to enjoy them again—this will help prevent the greens from becoming soggy!

Can I freeze this salad?
No, it’s best to steer clear of freezing this salad. Freezing can compromise the crispness of the apples and texture of the greens, leading to a less enjoyable meal upon thawing. So, for the best taste experience, make and enjoy this dish fresh!

What can I do if my vinaigrette separates?
If you find your vinaigrette has separated, don’t worry—this is quite common! Simply give it a good shake before drizzling over your salad. If it consistently separates, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard next time; this emulsifier will help keep the dressing beautifully blended!

Is this salad suitable for people with food allergies?
Yes! The Savory Delicious Holiday Honeycrisp Salad can be adjusted for dietary considerations. For those allergic to nuts, simply leave out the walnuts and replace them with sunflower seeds or skip them altogether. If you’re avoiding dairy, substitute blue cheese with a dairy-free cheese or skip it entirely—your salad will still be amazing!