Ultimate Caesar Holiday Wreath Salad
We bet you’ve never considered eating a Christmas wreath before. This wreath happens to be crunchy, nutrient-rich, and perfect for serving at holiday banquets or potlucks. And we didn’t forget edible decorations; we’re (tree?) topping this classic Caesar with roasted butternut squash and juicy pomegranate seeds that almost look like red twinkle lights. Press play on those carols and raise your champagne flute to this side salad filled with Christmas cheer!
- Active Time:
- 15 minutes
- Total TIME:
- 30 min
- SERVINGS:
- 4-6
Ingredients
- 1 Taylor Farms Ultimate Caesar Salad Kit
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
Directions
- Roast the squash
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- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Toss the squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until golden and tender.
- Let cool slightly.
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- Prepare the Caesar salad
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- Open the Taylor Farms Ultimate Caesar Salad Kit.
- Toss the chopped greens, croutons, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing together until evenly coated.
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- Form the wreath
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- Place a small ramekin or bowl in the center of a large round platter.
- Arrange the dressed Caesar salad around the ramekin, forming a thick, even ring.
- Once the wreath shape looks full and round, carefully remove the ramekin—leaving an open “wreath” hole in the center.
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- Add the toppings
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- Scatter the roasted butternut squash evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle generously with pomegranate seeds for color and brightness.
How to make your Christmas buffet healthier
Hold onto your candy canes, because we are about to pull off a genuine Christmas miracle: a holiday buffet that is delicious and actually good for you. Who says “healthy” has to be the Grinch of the dinner table?
Start by letting the vegetables take center stage. A festive Wreath Salad like this one goes perfectly next to an “Oh Tannenbaum” Crudité Board.
- We all know the veggie platter is a buffet staple, but it often gets ignored in favor of the cheese dip. Instead of a standard platter, arrange your broccoli florets, snap peas, and cucumber slices into the shape of a Christmas tree on a large wooden board.
- Start with a pre-cleaned, pre-chopped vegetable tray from Taylor Farms and reduce your work by at least 60%.
- Use strips of red bell pepper as “garland” and yellow pepper cutouts for the stars. It turns a humble appetizer into edible decor that draws the eye (and the appetite). Pair it with a Greek yogurt-based herb dip.
Next, prep some beautiful Jewel-Toned Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Brussels sprouts are a great alternative to heavy green bean casseroles. The key to making them “comfort food” is roasting them until they are crispy and caramelized, which brings out a deep, nutty flavor.
To make them more party-ready, toss the roasted sprouts with a little balsamic glaze, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. The cranberries add a chewy sweetness that cuts through the savory roast, and the pecans add a satisfying crunch. It’s a dish that looks like Christmas in a bowl—full of red and green colors—and tastes indulgent without being weighed down by heavy cream sauces.
By swapping out a few heavy sides for vibrant, roasted, and fresh options, you create a smorgasbord that celebrates the season and leaves everyone feeling energized enough to enjoy the rest of the evening. Find all of our Christmas recipes here.
