Best 3 Ensalada De Noche Buena Christmas Eve Recipes

Ensalada de noche buena, also known as Christmas Eve salad, is a traditional dish well-known in Latin America. It is often prepared and savored during the Christmas season, adding a unique touch to the festive celebration. As the name suggests, this vibrant salad is a staple of the Nochebuena, the evening before Christmas Day. It consists of a delightful mix of fresh and colorful ingredients, offering a refreshing blend of flavors that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The preparation of ensalada de noche buena is rooted in tradition, with each ingredient holding cultural significance and symbolic meaning. Whether you are looking to embrace Latin American culinary heritage or simply seeking a delectable salad recipe for your Christmas Eve gathering, this article will guide you through the ingredients, preparation methods, and variations of this beloved holiday dish.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ENSALADA DE NOCHE BUENA (CHRISTMAS EVE SALAD)

Ensalada De Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Salad) image

A beautiful festive salad. Perfect salad to serve at holiday gatherings. Adapted from a recipe I found many years ago. I don't add the coconut but the original recipe did. I use the canned fruits for ease when making this to take to a potlucks, however fresh fruits and beets can be used. Dressing can be made earlier in day also.

Provided by Tarynne

Categories Oranges

Time 10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 head romaine lettuce, wash dried & torn into small pieces
1 (16 ounce) can julienned beets, drained
2 apples, peeled and diced
1 (16 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
2 bananas, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 (16 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
1/2 cup peanuts
1/4-1/2 cup shaved fresh coconut (optional)
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)

Steps:

Instructions: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, vinegar, salt and cilantro.
Set aside.
Place lettuce into salad bowl, top with beets and fruit.
Add dressing and toss lightly to mix.
Top with peanuts, coconut and/or pomegranite seeds.

ENSALADA DE NOCHE BUENA

Ensalada de Noche Buena image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

3 medium beets, cooked and chopped
3 oranges, peeled and sectioned
2 jicamas, peeled and chopped
3 bananas, peeled and sliced
3 slices fresh pineapple, cut into cubes
1/3 cup sugar
4 tablespoons wine vinegar
Lettuce leaves
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Seeds from one pomegranate
1 stick sugar cane, chopped

Steps:

In a bowl mix the beets, oranges, jicamas, bananas, and pineapple together. In another bowl mix the sugar and vinegar. Toss the fruit with the sugar dressing, then chill throughly.
Line 6 salad plates with the lettuce, fill the center of each with the fruit, and garnish with peanuts, pomegranates and sugar cane.

ENSALADA DE NOCHE BUENA

Ensalada De Noche Buena image

Christmas Eve Salad recipe from Cooking Light in an article featuring Santa Fe, New Mexico. "This salad provides a cooling contrast to other spicy flavors at the holiday table." Their suggested wine to serve with this, of course, comes from NM: Gruet Brut NV. Cooking time is chilling time. Their photo is gorgeous-love the colors and this recipe has no beets in it. Posting for safekeeping.

Provided by WiGal

Categories Salad Dressings

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

4 large navel oranges
1 large red grapefruit
3 cups jicama, peeled and cubed in 1 inch chunks
3/4 cup red radish, slivered about 6 of them
1 1/2 teaspoons lime zest
3 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons plain fat-free yogurt
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 dash salt
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup pomegranate seeds
3 tablespoons unsalted pumpkin seeds, toasted
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Steps:

Peel and section oranges and grapefruit over a large bowl, reserving juice; add sections to juice.
Add jicama and radishes to orange mixture; toss gently.
Cover and chill 30 minutes.
Combine zest and next 6 ingredients (through salt) in a small bowl, stirring until smooth.
Arrange lettuce in a large bowl.
Using a slotted spoon, place the orange mixture over lettuce; drizzle evenly with yogurt mixture.
Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, pumpkinseed kernels, and cilantro right before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 125.5, Fat 2.1, SaturatedFat 0.3, Cholesterol 1.4, Sodium 63.8, Carbohydrate 26.9, Fiber 6.3, Sugar 16.3, Protein 2.6

Tips:

Prep Vegetables Ahead of Time: To save time and ensure even cooking, cut vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and green beans in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients make all the difference in this salad. Look for crisp vegetables, tender meat, and tangy cheeses.
Control the Mayo: Mayonnaise can quickly overpower the other flavors in the salad, so use it sparingly. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Let the Salad Chill: For the best flavor and texture, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to absorb the dressing.
Garnish for Presentation: Before serving, garnish the salad with fresh herbs, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Ensalada de Noche Buena, with its vibrant colors and medley of textures and flavors, is a festive and delicious dish that embodies the spirit of Christmas. Whether you're celebrating with family or friends, this salad is sure to be a hit. Its versatility allows for personal preferences and dietary restrictions, making it a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and indulge in this traditional holiday treat. Merry Christmas and happy cooking!