Thanks to a dear friend of mine, I was able to get hold of Costco’s cookbook that was given away during Black Friday weekend. I’ve been browsing through the recipes and already have a list of what to try. One recipe that attracted my attention and very time appropriate is how to make a holiday tree using avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and bell pepper. It looks so pretty and colorful and would make a good table decoration when you are entertaining. This recipe also shows how to make citrus vinaigrette to go with any salad greens. Simple and healthy, that’s how I would describe this avocado and mixed green salad.
Cooking Tips for Your Holiday Tree Salad
When assembling your holiday tree salad, it helps to have all your ingredients prepped and ready. Slice the avocados just before you plan to serve to keep them from browning. You can also use lemon juice on the avocado slices as a natural preservative. If you want to create a more structured tree shape, consider using a large piece of parchment paper as your base. This way, you can easily transfer the salad to a serving plate. For a festive touch, consider adding edible ornaments like pomegranate seeds or sliced radishes. These not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a nice crunch and burst of flavor. Lastly, don’t skip on seasoning. A sprinkle of salt and pepper can elevate the taste and bring all the ingredients together.
Ingredient Notes
Choosing the right ingredients can make a significant difference in your holiday tree salad. Opt for ripe avocados that yield slightly to pressure but are not overly soft. Fresh cherry tomatoes add a sweet pop, but you can also use grape tomatoes if you prefer. For the feta cheese, consider crumbling it yourself rather than buying pre-crumbled, as it tends to have better flavor and texture. When it comes to bell peppers, any color can work, but red or yellow will provide the most vibrant contrast against the green and red of the other ingredients. For the greens, a mix of arugula and spinach offers a nice balance of peppery and mild flavors. If you want a bit of a kick, try adding thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This holiday tree salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. For a light lunch, serve it on its own or pair it with a simple protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider creating a salad bar where guests can assemble their own holiday trees. This way, everyone can customize their salad to their liking. You can also play around with variations; try adding nuts for extra crunch or swapping out the feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture. If you want a heartier version, incorporate cooked quinoa or farro. This not only makes the salad more filling but also adds a lovely nutty flavor. Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette generously right before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or even a creamy blue cheese for a different flavor. Both will add a nice tanginess to the salad.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep the citrus vinaigrette separate to avoid sogginess. The salad is best enjoyed within a day to keep the avocado fresh.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prep the ingredients ahead but assemble it right before serving to keep everything looking fresh. You can slice the avocados and chop the veggies a few hours in advance, just remember to sprinkle some lemon juice on the avocados.
What can I add for extra crunch?
For a satisfying crunch, toss in some toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts. You can also add sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas for a nice texture contrast.
How can I make this salad more festive?
Consider adding some pomegranate seeds or sliced radishes as edible ornaments. These not only look great but also bring a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
Holiday Tree Salad
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe avocados
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 orange or yellow bell pepper diced
- Grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1 bag 5oz mixed baby salad greens
Citrus vinaigrette
- 1 small grapefruit halved
- 1 orange halved
- 1 lime halved
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Pepper
- ¼ cup avocado or olive oil
Instructions
- Cut avocados in half, remove pit and peel. Cut each avocado half lengthwise into 4-5 slices. Sprinkle the slices with lemon juice.
- On a large plate, arrange the largest avocado slices to form the branches of the tree. Scatter with cheese, diced pepper and tomatoes.
- Prepare the vinaigrette. Squeeze the juice from the grapefruit, orange and lime juice into a small bowl. Whisk in mustard, salt and pepper to taste, and avocado or olive oil.
- In a salad bowl, toss the smaller avocado slices, bell peppers,feta cheese and cherry tomatoes with baby greens and vinaigrette.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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