Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ensalada Navideña is a festive and colorful dish that brings a refreshing touch to your holiday table. This traditional Mexican Christmas salad is a delightful combination of fruits, vegetables, and creamy dressing, offering a balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors. It’s easy to prepare, visually appealing, and a perfect side dish to complement hearty holiday meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Apples
- Pineapple
- Celery
- Raisins
- Walnuts
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Sour cream
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
- Grapes (optional)
- Fresh cream (optional)
Directions
- Wash and dice the apples and celery into bite-sized pieces.
- Drain the pineapple and cut it into small chunks if using fresh pineapple.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, pineapple, celery, raisins, and walnuts.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and sour cream to the bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are coated evenly.
- If desired, add halved grapes and chopped maraschino cherries for extra color and flavor.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Serve cold as a refreshing side dish during your holiday feast.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with an additional 1 hour of chilling time.
Variations
- Tropical Twist: Add diced mango or papaya for a more tropical flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the dairy ingredients with coconut cream and a dairy-free sweetener.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the walnuts if you have nut allergies or replace them with sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture.
- Extra Creamy: Mix in a bit of fresh cream for a richer, creamier consistency.
Storage/Reheating
Store the Ensalada Navideña in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
FAQs
What is Ensalada Navideña?
Ensalada Navideña is a traditional Mexican Christmas salad made with fruits, vegetables, and a creamy dressing, often served as a festive side dish.
Can I make Ensalada Navideña ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
What type of apples are best for this salad?
Crisp apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work well for their sweetness and firm texture.
Can I use canned fruits instead of fresh?
Yes, canned fruits like pineapple can be used. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
How do I prevent the apples from browning?
Toss the diced apples in a little lemon juice before mixing to prevent browning.
Is it necessary to add nuts?
No, nuts are optional. You can omit them or replace them with seeds if preferred.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, substitute the condensed milk with a plant-based sweetened milk and use coconut cream instead of sour cream.
How long does Ensalada Navideña last in the fridge?
It can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add fruits like bananas, strawberries, or peaches for variety.
Is Ensalada Navideña served as a dessert or side dish?
While it has sweet elements, it’s typically served as a refreshing side dish during holiday meals.
Conclusion
Ensalada Navideña is a vibrant, flavorful addition to any holiday celebration. Its combination of fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing creates a delightful contrast that everyone will enjoy. Easy to prepare and versatile, this festive salad is sure to become a holiday favorite.
PrintEnsalada Navideña
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mexican / Latin American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ensalada Navideña is a refreshing, colorful, and creamy fruit salad traditionally served during Christmas celebrations in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Made with a mix of fresh fruits, nuts, and a sweet, creamy dressing, this salad adds a festive touch to holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 4 medium red apples, diced
- 2 medium bananas, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice (to prevent fruit from browning)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples and sliced bananas. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to prevent browning and gently toss.
- Add the pineapple chunks, grapes, diced celery, chopped nuts, raisins, and mini marshmallows (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit mixture and gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top for an extra festive touch, if desired.
Notes
- You can customize the salad by adding other fruits like pears, peaches, or mandarin oranges.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
- This salad tastes best when served chilled.
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