A Healthy Salad for Christmas

I created this salad several years ago for Christmas holiday entertaining by combining all the green, red and orange salad ingredients I could think of and tossing them with one of my favorite vinaigrette dressings. It's very festive looking and extremely delicious because it combines the sweet flavors of mandarin oranges and dried cranberries with savory vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. 

This salad is a much welcomed healthy addition to a holiday meal. You can vary the ingredient ratios based on your own preference. Good Seasons salad dressings are one of the few prepared foods I buy. Just add your own oil, vinegar, and water, and the flavor is always fresh and delicious.

4 cups (a 5-oz. bag) arugula, washed (or more to taste)

4 cups (a 6-oz. bag) baby spinach, washed (or more to taste)

1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained

1 cup dried cranberries 

1 cup red pepper, cut in thin 1 1/2-inch strips

1 cup canned, julienned beets 

1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1 medium cucumber, peeled, and cut in thin 1 1/2-inch strips

1 cup crumbled blue cheese or Gorgonzola (optional)

1 cup pecans, lightly toasted (optional)

1 Good Seasons Roasted Garlic, Zesty Italian, or Garlic & Herb flavor dressing made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar according to the directions on the packet

1. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator.

2. Because this salad makes such a nice presentation, it's best to serve it in either a large glass or wooden bowl. Mix together the arugula and baby spinach. Decoratively place the remaining ingredients over the greens. If using the crumbled cheese and toasted nuts, sprinkle them evenly on top.

3.  At the last possible moment, toss the salad with the entire bottle of dressing.