Festive Red Salad Food

RED, GREEN AND WHITE CHRISTMAS SALAD

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with water and bring to boil.
• Cut the woody ends off the asparagus, then cut the asparagus into 3. Separate the asparagus heads from the stems.
• Trim the beans and place in a separate pile.
• Remove the strings along each side of the snow peas.
• Place the beans in the boiling water. When the water comes back to the simmer again, leave the beans to simmer for 30 seconds. (Note 1)
• Add the asparagus stems in. Once it comes back up to a simmer, count 30 seconds again. Then add the snow peas and asparagus heads, bring it back up to a simmer and count to 30 seconds.
• Immediately drain the greens and run cold water over the greens for 10 seconds to stop the cooking process.
• Once cool, set aside to dry. Roughly dry with a paper towel if serving immediately.
• Combine the Dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well to mix.
• Place the greens in a bowl and toss with the Dressing.
• Transfer to a serving bowl, crumble over feta and scatter with dried cranberries. Serve immediately.

FESTIVE RED SALAD

Steps:

• Quarter the cabbage, then cut out the white core at the bottom and discard. Finely shred the cabbage and tip into a large mixing bowl with the onions, apples, beetroot and walnuts. Finely grate over the zest from the oranges.
• Cut a little from the top and bottom of each orange, so they sit flat on your work surface. Use a small, serrated knife to cut away the peel and pith in strips down the orange. Holding each orange over a bowl, cut away the segments, letting them and any juice drop into the bowl. Squeeze any juice left in the membranes into the bowl, too. Fish out the segments, roughly chop and add to the salad.
• Whisk the red wine vinegar, redcurrant jelly, honey and oil into the orange juice with some seasoning, then stir into the salad. Will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.

BIG FESTIVE SALAD

Steps:

• For the candied nuts: In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, toast the pistachios and hazelnuts until fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the brown sugar, salt, vanilla and 1 tablespoon water directly to the pan with the nuts and stir to coat them. Cook until the sugar has dissolved, about 1 additional minute. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow to cool, 12 to 15 minutes.
• For the dressing: Combine the olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, salt and pepper in a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake to combine. Set aside.
• For the salad: Spread the arugula, kale and spinach over a large round platter, leaving space in the center of the platter (it should look like a holiday wreath). Top the greens with the radicchio. Arrange the mandarin segments over the greens. Sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds, cranberries, blueberries and cooled candied nuts.
• Lastly, sprinkle with the Parmesan, creating the look of snow. Shake the dressing one more time and pour it into a serving bowl. Place the bowl in the center of the platter and serve.

FESTIVE RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Cook rice according to package directions; cool. In a large bowl, combine the rice, peas, red pepper, onions and cranberries. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

CHRISTMAS BROCCOLI SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients.
• In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cider vinegar and pepper until smooth. Pour dressing over broccoli mixture; toss to coat.
• Cover and refrigerate until serving.

CONTEST-WINNING FESTIVE TOSSED SALAD

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.

CHRISTMAS TREE SALAD + CRANBERRY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Wrap cutting board or square board in wrapping paper of your choice, or simply serve from a platter. Tie a festive bow around the corner of the board and tuck in a pair of tongs.

FESTIVE RED SLAW

Steps:

• 1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, apples and onion. Toss well.
• 2. For dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, celery seeds, and black pepper. Add dressing to salad; toss to coat. Cover and chill at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.

THE BEST RED CABBAGE SALAD

Steps:

• Combine sugar, onion, and celery salt in a large bowl. Let sit for 1 hour.
• Add cabbage to the marinade and stir to combine. Pour in vinegar and oil and mix well. Season with black pepper; top with blue cheese and almonds.