If you’re looking to brighten up your holiday table with a salad that’s as festive as it is flavorful, this Christmas Wreath Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture a vibrant, green kale wreath adorned with colorful cherry tomatoes, tangy green olives, crisp red onions, and a sprinkle of creamy feta cheese—all brought together with a tangy, garlicky dressing. It’s refreshing, healthy, and has that perfect combination of textures and tastes that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s stunning enough to be the centerpiece of your Christmas feast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to creating the perfect balance in this salad. Each brings a crucial element—whether it’s the peppery punch of kale, the bright bursts of cherry tomatoes, or the savory tang from the feta—that makes this Christmas Wreath Salad Recipe truly special.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for the dressing that coats every bite perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds a delightful tang that wakes up all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle sharpness that balances the acidity.
- 1 garlic clove (grated): Infuses a fresh, aromatic kick into the dressing.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the salad.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to widen the flavor profile.
- 6 cups kale: The hearty green base that offers a lovely texture and nutrition.
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes: These sweet, juicy gems add pops of color and freshness.
- ½ cup green olives: Lends a briny depth and a slight chewiness to the salad.
- Red onion (sliced): Offers crispness and a mildly pungent flavor.
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese: Gives a creamy, salty finish that ties everything together.
How to Make Christmas Wreath Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by combining the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and emulsified. Pour most of this delicious dressing into a small bowl, which you’ll use as a dip in a moment. This clever touch not only adds charm but lets your guests enjoy the vibrant dressing in two ways.
Step 2: Massage the Kale
Next, add the kale to the large bowl with the leftover dressing. This part is fun—use your hands to gently massage the kale leaves for a few minutes. This softens the tough fibers, making the kale less bitter, more tender, and easier to eat. Plus, the dressing gets fully absorbed, infusing each leaf with fantastic flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Wreath
Now for the magical presentation! Arrange the dressed kale in a circle around the small bowl of dressing on a large plate, mimicking the shape of a Christmas wreath. Then, decorate your edible wreath evenly with cherry tomatoes, green olives, sliced red onions, and crumbled feta cheese. This creates a colorful, festive look that’s as joyful to see as it is to eat.
How to Serve Christmas Wreath Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra holiday flair, consider sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or pomegranate seeds over the wreath. The pine nuts will contribute a delightful crunch, while the ruby-red pomegranate seeds add sweet-tart bursts that enhance the salad’s vibrancy and festive appearance.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with warm, cozy holiday mains like roast turkey or glazed ham. Its fresh, tangy notes cut through heavier dishes and provide a refreshing counterpoint that will lighten the overall meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, serve this Christmas Wreath Salad Recipe in individual salad bowls shaped like wreaths or use mini ramekins for the dressing to create personalized festive servings. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme as “holly” embellishments for a charming touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the salad and dressing separate if possible to prevent the kale from becoming soggy. The salad will stay fresh for about 2 days.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh, crisp ingredients and delicate dressing, freezing is not recommended as it would affect texture and flavor.
Reheating
This is a salad best enjoyed fresh and chilled, so reheating is unnecessary. Serve cold and enjoy the crispness and zestiness it offers.
FAQs
Can I use another type of lettuce instead of kale?
While kale is key to the structure and flavor of this salad, you can substitute it with other hearty greens like spinach or curly endive for a slightly different texture but similar festive feel.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
The salad itself is almost vegan-friendly except for the feta cheese. To keep it vegan, simply omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can prepare the dressing and slice the vegetables a day ahead, but it’s best to assemble and massage the kale shortly before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or even some toasted nuts would make excellent additions and turn this salad into a complete meal.
What makes this salad a “Christmas Wreath”?
The fun circular presentation that mimics a holiday wreath, along with the festive colors from the ingredients, is what gives this salad its charming and memorable name.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Wreath Salad Recipe brings together simplicity, flavor, and festive cheer in a way that feels just right for the holidays. It’s fresh, colorful, and a total crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your friends and family. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a part of your holiday traditions!
Print
Christmas Wreath Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and healthy Christmas Wreath Salad featuring tender massaged kale, vibrant cherry tomatoes, green olives, red onions, and creamy feta, all brought together with a tangy and flavorful Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light appetizer or a colorful side dish for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 6 cups kale, washed and chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup green olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, grated garlic clove, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Prepare the Kale: Pour most of the dressing into a small bowl placed on a large serving plate or into the dip section of a chip and dip bowl. Add the kale to the large bowl with the leftover dressing, and use your hands to massage the kale thoroughly with the dressing until it softens and slightly darkens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the Wreath: Arrange the dressed kale around the bowl of dressing to form a circular wreath shape on the serving plate. Distribute the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced green olives, thinly sliced red onions, and crumbled feta cheese evenly around the kale wreath to mimic holiday decorations.
Notes
- You can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
- Massage the kale well to reduce its natural bitterness and make it easier to eat.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be made up to 2 hours in advance if refrigerated.
- Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and festive flavor.
