Ensalada De Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Salad)

Submitted by Tarynne

"A beautiful festive salad. Perfect salad to serve at holiday gatherings. Adapted from a recipe I found many years ago. I don't add the coconut but the original recipe did. I use the canned fruits for ease when making this to take to a potlucks, however fresh fruits and beets can be used. Dressing can be made earlier in day also."

 

• Ready In: 10mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• Dressing

• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 head romaine lettuce, wash dried & torn into small pieces
• 1 (16 ounce) can julienned beets, drained
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 1 (16 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 2 bananas, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 1 (16 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
• 1⁄2 cup peanuts
• 1⁄4 - 1⁄2 cup shaved fresh coconut (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)

directions

1. Instructions: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, vinegar, salt and cilantro.
2. Set aside.
3. Place lettuce into salad bowl, top with beets and fruit.
4. Add dressing and toss lightly to mix.
5. Top with peanuts, coconut and/or pomegranite seeds.

Reviews

[Mulligan]

I made this last night (Christmas Eve) and it was SOOO good! We only had the two of us, so it was plenty for today as well. This is so unusual, but very good! No changes tot ehrecipe. I mase it "as is" but I didn't have the optional coconut or pomegranate. I love it just the same.

 

[Sealy]

Fantastic - I was asked for the recipe after our Xmas dinner - they loved it!

 

[Mysterygirl]

I was a little bit hesitant about mixing the beets with the fruit but followed the recipe anyway. OMG this is such an explosion of flavor in your mouth and so beautiful with the explosion of colors. Thank you so much for posting this. It will be used for many special occasions.

 

[sugarpea]

Delicious, Tarynne. I think the pomegranate seeds should always be used - they made the salad as far as I'm concerned. They were gorgeous, crunchy, tangy and a nice contrast. I used fresh fruit and skipped the coconut. Loved the peanuts and wouldn't sub them.