SUPER Salads for the Holidays!

Everyone has sides and salads that are family favorites – but here’s a couple of delicious, colorful, healthy sides to add to festive celebrations.

I can't wait to make up these salads on Atlanta and Company this morning. Christine and I will make a Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Pomegranate Honey Dressing and a Sweet Potato and Red Grape Salad that are yummy and full of the flavors of the season.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Pomegranate Honey Dressing

1 Butternut Squash, Roasted and Chopped

1 Cup Green Onions, thinly sliced

2 Cups Cooked Tri Color Quinoa

1 Cup Chopped Toasted Pecans

1 Cup Chopped Fennel or Celery

1 Cup Golden Raisins

6 Cups Baby Kale, Spinach or “Power Greens”

1 Cup Crumbled Blue Cheese or Goat Cheese

Place each ingredient separately on a large platter. When ready to serve, drizzle with the Pomegranate Honey Dressing.

Pomegranate Honey Dressing

2 TB Apple Cider Vinegar

1 TB Pomegranate Molasses

1 TB Honey

1 Tsp Dijon Mustard

1 Garlic Clove, grated

5 TB Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Shake all the ingredients together in a jar.

Sweet Potato and Red Grape Salad

1/4 Cup Olive Oil Mayonnaise

1/4 Cup Nonfat Plain Yogurt

2 TB Orange Juice

2 TB Orange Zest

1/2 Tsp Garam Masala

1 Cup Grated Carrot

1/2 Cup Chopped Celery or Fennel

6 Cups Chopped Roasted Sweet Potatoes***

1 Cup Red Seedless Grapes, Halved

1/3 Cup Chopped Dates, Figs or Apricots

1/4 Cup Chopped Toasted Walnuts

Step One

Mix mayonnaise, yogurt, orange juice, orange zest and Garam Masala in a small bowl to blend. (You can prepare this dressing up to a day ahead of time)

Step Two In a bowl toss the grated carrot, diced celery, sweet potatoes, halved grapes and chopped dates. Add dressing to salad and toss. Sprinkle salad with walnuts and serve.

** To Roast the sweet potatoes, spread the chopped potatoes on a baking sheet, toss with 2 TB olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and 1Tsp garam masala. Roast in a 400F oven for about 30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are browned.