Melted Brie & Cranberry Christmas Salad
with Juicy Pears, Apples & Feta Snowflakes
Description
This Melted Brie & Cranberry Christmas Salad is a festive show-stopper that combines warm, gooey brie with crisp winter fruits and sweet-tart cranberries. Juicy pears and crunchy apples bring freshness, while feta “snowflakes” add a salty contrast. Finished with toasted nuts and a light honey-balsamic dressing, this salad is perfect as a Christmas starter, holiday side dish, or elegant light meal.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Salad Base
6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or baby lettuce)
1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup walnuts or pecans, lightly toasted
100 g (3½ oz) brie cheese (wheel or wedge)
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (for “snowflakes”)
Dressing
3 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Salad Base
Wash and dry the salad greens thoroughly. Arrange them on a large serving platter or in a wide salad bowl. Evenly scatter the sliced pears, apples, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts over the greens.
Melt the Brie
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.
Place the brie on a small parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until soft and melty (do not overbake or it will collapse).
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and slightly thickened.
Assemble the Salad
Carefully place the warm, melted brie in the center of the salad. Drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad (you may not need all of it).
Add the Feta Snowflakes
Sprinkle crumbled feta over the salad like falling snow for a festive finish.
Serve Immediately
Serve while the brie is warm and creamy for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with crusty bread, garlic crostini, or crackers
Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or grilled vegetables
Add a glass of sparkling juice or white wine for holiday vibes
Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare all ingredients in advance, but melt the brie and assemble just before serving for best results.
Q2: What can I use instead of brie?
Camembert is the closest substitute. Goat cheese works too, but it won’t melt the same way.
Q3: Can I make it nut-free?
Absolutely. Simply omit the nuts or replace them with roasted chickpeas or pumpkin seeds.
Q4: Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, it’s completely vegetarian. Use plant-based feta and brie for a vegan version.
Q5: How do I prevent apples from browning?
Toss apple slices lightly with lemon juice before assembling the salad.