Christmas Wreath Salad
Brighten Your Holiday Table with a Festive ‘Christmas Wreath Salad’
Introducing the ‘Christmas Wreath Salad,’ a beautiful dish that will add a festive sparkle to your special occasion table. Made with fresh arugula from the garden, perfectly air-fried eggs, and sweet strawberries, this salad is easy enough for anyone to create a stunning centerpiece. Its wreath shape is a delightful nod to the holiday season, bringing joy to both the eyes and the palate. A simple yet flavorful balsamic dressing, featuring a touch of fruit vinegar and lemon, enhances the salad’s freshness. Feel free to adjust with regular vinegar based on your preference. This recipe encourages using ingredients you have on hand, allowing for creative customization. The refreshing crunch, vibrant greens, and subtle peppery notes of arugula create a harmonious and invigorating salad that makes for a satisfying meal on its own. It’s also a perfect light option for breakfast.
Salad Ingredients
- 1 generous handful of fresh arugula (or baby greens)
- 1 egg
- 6 strawberries
- 2 Tbsp pomegranate seeds
Simple Dressing Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp balsamic dressing
- 1 Tbsp berry vinegar (or regular vinegar)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp balsamic dressing
- 1 Tbsp berry vinegar (or regular vinegar)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your salad greens. Using freshly harvested arugula from your garden will offer the best freshness. If arugula isn’t available, fresh baby greens make an excellent substitute. Don’t hesitate to incorporate any other greens you have in your refrigerator to make it your own! The dressing can also be adjusted to your personal taste for an even more delightful experience.
Step 2
Gently wash the arugula and thoroughly pat it dry to remove excess water. This step is crucial to prevent a watery salad and ensure the dressing adheres beautifully. Arrange the dried arugula in a circular pattern on your serving plate, leaving the center empty, to create a lovely wreath shape, reminiscent of a festive garland.
Step 3
Place the egg in an air fryer set to 180°C (350°F) and cook for approximately 10 minutes. This method yields a perfectly soft-boiled egg with a creamy, runny yolk that adds richness to the salad. (If using a conventional oven, preheat to 180°C/350°F and bake for 12-15 minutes.)
Step 4
Once the egg is cooked, carefully peel it and cut it into four wedges. Artfully arrange these egg wedges around the arugula wreath, spacing them evenly. Now, let’s prepare the delicious dressing! In a small bowl, combine the balsamic dressing, berry vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice. Whisk together until well emulsified. If berry vinegar isn’t on hand, regular vinegar works just as well.
Step 5
Hull and wash the fresh strawberries. Slice each strawberry in half and arrange them decoratively around the wreath, layering them slightly. The vibrant red of the strawberries will add a beautiful splash of color to your salad.
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle the glistening pomegranate seeds generously over the salad. The pomegranate seeds add a delightful burst of tartness and a lovely texture. Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the entire salad, ensuring every component is lightly coated. Aim to pour the dressing in a circular motion to maintain the wreath’s aesthetic.
Step 7
Voila! Your stunning Christmas Wreath Salad is ready to impress. It offers a delightful combination of refreshing crunch, vibrant greens, and the subtly peppery notes of arugula, creating a truly invigorating taste experience. Make your special occasion even more memorable with this visually appealing and delicious salad.
Step 8
This ‘Christmas Wreath Salad’ is not only beautiful but also incredibly refreshing, making it an ideal centerpiece for any festive gathering. It serves perfectly as a light breakfast alternative or as an elegant appetizer to kick off a wonderful dinner. You’ll find yourself wanting to recreate this delightful dish time and time again.
Step 9
The soft-boiled egg, cooked in the air fryer, is a true highlight. Its luscious, runny yolk blends wonderfully with the salad, providing a creamy and rich dimension. Achieving this perfect soft-boiled consistency in just 10 minutes at 180°C is incredibly simple, so be sure to take advantage of this easy method!
