Melted Brie & Cranberry Christmas Salad with Juicy Pears, Apples and Feta Snowflakes
The Holiday Dish You Didn’t Know You Needed
Picture this: it’s Christmas time, and you want to impress your guests with a stunning dish that’s as festive as it is delicious. Enter the Melted Brie & Cranberry Christmas Salad! This eye-catching salad combines the warmth of melted Brie with sweet pears and apples, topped off with the tangy crunch of feta snowflakes. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors that captures the spirit of the season. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this recipe will have your guests reaching for seconds.
Reasons to Try It
This salad is special for several reasons. First off, it’s a beautiful centerpiece that adds color and elegance to any holiday table. The combination of warm, melted Brie and cool, crisp greens creates a delightful contrast that is both comforting and refreshing. It’s also surprisingly easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or festive brunches. Plus, with the festive colors and bright flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
“This salad was the star of our Christmas dinner! The melted Brie was a game changer—everyone loved it!”
Preparing Melted Brie & Cranberry Christmas Salad with Juicy Pears, Apples and Feta Snowflakes
Creating this salad is a simple yet rewarding process. Begin by preheating your oven. While the Brie melts to creamy perfection, you’ll layer mixed greens with fresh fruits, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts. Then comes the pièce de résistance: a warm dressing that brings all the flavors together. Finish with crumbled feta to serve a dish that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Key Ingredients
To whip up this festive salad, you’ll need:
- 5 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix)
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted (feel free to experiment with nuts!)
- 150 g Brie cheese, sliced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, finely crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
You can easily swap the pears or apples for whatever is in season, and the nuts can be adjusted according to dietary preferences.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the Brie slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 6–8 minutes or until just soft and lightly melted.
- Arrange the mixed salad greens in a large serving bowl.
- Layer the sliced pears, apples, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts over the greens.
- In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard over low heat for 2–3 minutes, whisking until emulsified. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Carefully place the warm melted Brie over the salad.
- Drizzle the warm dressing over the top.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese like festive "snowflakes."
- Serve immediately while the Brie is warm and creamy for the best experience.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This salad shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with various dishes. Consider serving it alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham. For a vegetarian option, it can be a standout centerpiece next to a hearty lentil casserole. Garnish with pomegranate seeds for an added burst of color and flavor!
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep the salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. While the greens may wilt, the flavors will still meld beautifully. For the melted Brie and dressing, it’s best to reheat them separately. The cheese can be placed in a warm oven to soften, and a gentle warming of the dressing in a saucepan will revive its luscious texture.
Pro Chef Tips
- Select ripe yet firm fruits to maintain their texture in the salad.
- Toasting the nuts not only adds flavor but also enhances their crunch—don’t skip this step!
- Serve the salad immediately after assembling it for the best textural contrast; warm Brie over fresh greens is a delightful experience!
Creative Twists
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes! Swap out the Brie for goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile. Add seasonal ingredients like pomegranate seeds or roasted sweet potatoes for extra sweetness and nutrition. Vegetarian? Replace the honey in the dressing with maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
Common Questions
What is the prep time for this salad?
The prep time is about 20 minutes, making this salad a great last-minute addition to your meal.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can slice the fruits and prepare the dressing in advance, but it’s best to assemble everything just before serving to ensure the greens stay crisp.
Is it okay to use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese varieties based on what you have available or your personal taste preferences.
This Melted Brie & Cranberry Christmas Salad is bound to become a holiday staple in your home. With its mix of flavors and festive presentation, it perfectly embodies the spirit of the season!
Melted Brie & Cranberry Christmas Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the Brie slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 6–8 minutes or until just soft and lightly melted.
- Arrange the mixed salad greens in a large serving bowl.
- Layer the sliced pears, apples, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts over the greens.
- In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard over low heat for 2–3 minutes, whisking until emulsified. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Carefully place the warm melted Brie over the salad.
- Drizzle the warm dressing over the top.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese like festive snowflakes.
- Serve immediately while the Brie is warm and creamy for the best experience.
