Best 3 Contest Winning Festive Tossed Salad Recipes

When preparing food for the holidays, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect dish that will both impress your guests and fit the festive spirit. If you're looking for a dish that is both delicious and visually stunning, then a contest-winning festive tossed salad is the perfect choice. With a variety of colors, textures, and flavors, this salad is sure to be the star of the show at any holiday gathering. From classic recipes with crisp greens and tangy vinaigrettes to more creative combinations with roasted vegetables and homemade dressings, there's a festive tossed salad recipe out there for every taste.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CONTEST-WINNING FESTIVE TOSSED SALAD

Contest-Winning Festive Tossed Salad image

With its unique medley of fruits and festive look, this tossed salad is a holiday tradition at our house. Our three grown daughters have come to expect it. One forkful reminds us of all the things we can be thankful for. -Jauneen Hosking, Waterford, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup canola oil
2 to 3 teaspoons poppy seeds
10 cups torn romaine
1 medium pear, chopped
1 medium apple, chopped
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 to 1 cup chopped cashews
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Steps:

For dressing, place first five ingredients in a blender; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Add poppy seeds; pulse just until combined. , To serve, place remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 288 calories, Fat 21g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 195mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

CONTEST-WINNING HOLIDAY TOSSED SALAD

Contest-Winning Holiday Tossed Salad image

With its red and green ingredients, this salad is perfect for Christmas meals. Local cranberries and blue cheese make a great combination with salad greens, apples, walnuts and a simple cranberry vinaigrette. It's a family favorite.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

8 cups torn mixed salad greens
2 medium red apples, diced
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup sliced green onions
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons thawed cranberry juice concentrate
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
Dash salt and pepper

Steps:

In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, apples, blue cheese, cranberries, walnuts and onions. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Pour over salad; toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 144 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 151mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

FESTIVE TOSSED SALAD

Festive Tossed Salad image

From Taste of Home. Unique salad with pear, apple, dried cranberry, swiss cheese and cashews. Also has a home made dressing.

Provided by FrVanilla

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 15m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons onions, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 -3 teaspoons poppy seeds
10 cups romaine lettuce, torn
1 cup swiss cheese, shredded
1 medium apple, chopped
1 medium pear, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2-1 cup cashews, chopped

Steps:

In a blender or food processor, combine the sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, onion and salt. Cover and process until blended. With blender running, gradually add oil. Add poppy seeds and blend.
In a salad bowl, combine the romaine, Swiss cheese, apple, pear and cranberries. Drizzle with desired amount of dressing. Add cashews; toss to coat.
Serve immediately.

Tips:

Use a variety of greens: To create a visually appealing and nutrient-rich salad, use a mix of different leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce, spinach, kale, and arugula. This will add texture, color, and a variety of flavors to the dish.
Choose colorful vegetables and fruits: Incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits into the salad will make it more visually appealing and increase its nutritional value. Some good options include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, strawberries, and blueberries.
Add a protein source: To make the salad more filling and satisfying, add a protein source such as grilled chicken, tofu, or beans. This will help to balance out the other ingredients and create a complete meal.
Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what brings all the flavors of the salad together, so it's important to choose one that you enjoy. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper is a good option, or you can experiment with different flavored dressings, such as a creamy ranch dressing or a tangy citrus dressing.
Garnish with herbs and nuts: To add a finishing touch to the salad, garnish it with fresh herbs, such as basil, cilantro, or parsley. You can also add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for an extra crunch.

Conclusion:

Creating a festive tossed salad is a great way to celebrate any occasion. By following these tips, you can create a salad that is both visually appealing and delicious. So next time you're looking for a healthy and festive dish, give this recipe a try.