Christmas Salad Recipes

Steps:

• Line a plate with parchment. Toss the pecans with the pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a small bowl. Add the mixture to a small nonstick skillet and heat over medium heat, tossing frequently, until the spices begin to brown and become fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of the honey and cook, stirring constantly, until the honey begins to caramelize and the pecans are well coated, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to the prepared plate, making sure the pecans are in an even layer and not stacked on top of each other. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place a small bowl that can hold 1 cup of salad dressing in the center of a large platter. Toss the arugula, frisee and radicchio in a large bowl. Spread the lettuce mixture in a circle to resemble a wreath around the bowl on the platter.
• Slice both ends off one of the oranges and set the fruit flat-side down on a cutting board. With a paring knife, slice the peel and the pith off in sections, following the shape of the orange. Remove whole segments by cutting towards the center of the orange along a membrane. Then slice along the adjacent membrane to release the segment. Place the segments in a small bowl. Squeeze the juice from the remaining membranes into a medium bowl.
• Halve the remaining orange and squeeze the juice into the medium bowl (you should have about 1/3 cup). Whisk in the vinegar, Dijon, remaining 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until emulsified. Pour the dressing into the bowl in the center of the platter.
• To serve, scatter the honeyed pecans, orange segments, pomegranate seeds and feta cheese over top of the lettuce wreath.

Steps:

• In a blender, combine the first eight ingredients. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Chill until ready to serve. , In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, red pepper and water chestnuts if desired. Sprinkle with cheese if desired. Serve with cranberry vinaigrette.

Steps:

• Microwave bacon for about five minutes (cover with paper towel) or until almost crisp.
• Reserve bacon grease for hot bacon dressing (if making).
• Microwave almonds for two minutes (stirring once) in same plate used for cooking bacon.
• While those items are being microwaved, wash and chop green onions finely.
• Put spinach in large serving bowl.
• Explain that it represents the Christmas tree which will later be made into the cross of Christ.
• Add green onions.
• Add dried cranberries.
• Explain that the red symbolizes Christ's blood shed on the cross to pay the price for our sin.
• Crumble in bacon.
• Crumble in feta.
• Explain that the white stands for Christ's innocent blood washing away our sins and making us pure.
• Sprinkle with almonds.
• Stir in dressing (there are many great recipes for hot bacon and sweet and sour dressings on Zaar, but if you're in a hurry, just mix up vinegar, oil or bacon drippings, sugar, salt).
• Toss well and serve immediately.