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Ensalada Navideña is a colorful and tasty holiday salad. It combines many fresh and healthy ingredients. Here is what you need for this delightful dish: - 2 cups cooked and cooled pasta (fusilli or rotini) - 1 cup diced cooked chicken (can use rotisserie) - 1 cup chopped apples (preferably red or green) - 1 cup diced fresh pineapple - 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans) - 1/4 cup raisins - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients all work together to create a lovely mix of flavors and textures. The pasta serves as a hearty base. The chicken adds protein, while the fruits bring sweetness and brightness. Nuts give a nice crunch, and the yogurt dressing ties everything together. Each ingredient in Ensalada Navideña offers unique health benefits: - Pasta: Provides carbs for energy. Choose whole grain for more fiber. - Chicken: A great source of lean protein. It helps build and repair tissues. - Apples: Rich in fiber and vitamins. They help with digestion and support heart health. - Pineapple: Full of vitamin C and bromelain, which aids digestion. - Pomegranate seeds: Packed with antioxidants. They can improve heart health. - Walnuts: High in omega-3 fatty acids. Good for brain health. - Raisins: They provide natural sugars and iron. Great for energy. - Greek yogurt: Offers protein and probiotics. Good for gut health. - Honey: A natural sweetener with antioxidants. - Lime juice: Adds vitamin C and helps with flavor. - Cinnamon: May lower blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory properties. These ingredients make this salad not only tasty but also nutritious. If you don’t have all the ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Pasta: Use quinoa or rice for a gluten-free option. - Chicken: Tofu or chickpeas can work for a vegetarian choice. - Apples: Pears or grapes can substitute for a different fruit flavor. - Pineapple: Mango or kiwi can add a tropical twist. - Pomegranate seeds: Cranberries or cherries can give a similar look and taste. - Walnuts: Almonds or sunflower seeds can replace them for crunch. - Greek yogurt: Use sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt for a different texture. - Honey: Maple syrup can work as a sweetener if needed. These swaps help you customize the salad to your taste or what you have on hand. You can find the full recipe for Ensalada Navideña at the end of this section. Enjoy experimenting! To make Ensalada Navideña, start by gathering all your ingredients. You need 2 cups of cooked and cooled pasta. I like using fusilli or rotini for this salad. Next, take 1 cup of diced cooked chicken. If you’re short on time, a rotisserie chicken works great. Now, chop up 1 cup of apples. You can choose red or green apples based on your taste. Next, dice 1 cup of fresh pineapple. The sweetness adds a nice touch! Then, toss in 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds for color and crunch. Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Both nuts add a lovely texture. Finally, include 1/4 cup of raisins for a bit of sweetness. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This dressing brings everything together. Pour the yogurt dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss. You want all the ingredients coated well. To get the best texture, ensure your pasta is cooled completely. Warm pasta can make the salad mushy. When mixing, be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta. If you want a crunch, add the walnuts right before serving. This keeps them fresh. Also, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well and gives it a better taste. After chilling, taste your salad. You may want to add a pinch of salt and pepper. If it’s not sweet enough, add a bit more honey. For the final touch, serve the salad in a nice bowl. You can garnish with more pomegranate seeds and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This salad is perfect for holiday gatherings. Pair it with roasted meats or enjoy it on its own. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. To boost the flavors in Ensalada Navideña, consider adding fresh herbs. Chopped mint or cilantro can add a bright note. You can also experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder for a kick. For sweetness, try using maple syrup instead of honey. This swap adds a rich, unique flavor. A splash of orange juice can brighten the salad too. Avoid overcooking the pasta. It should be firm, not mushy. Rinse it with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process. Don't forget to taste your dressing. Adjust honey, salt, or lime juice to fit your taste buds. Lastly, don't skip refrigerating the salad. Letting it chill allows flavors to mix well. Use a large mixing bowl for easy tossing. A whisk is great for blending the dressing. A cutting board and sharp knife will make chopping fruits simple. Don’t forget measuring cups for accuracy. A spatula helps in mixing without breaking ingredients. These tools make preparing Ensalada Navideña quick and fun! For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy Ensalada Navideña. Here are some easy swaps: - Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if you need to avoid gluten. - Chicken: Replace chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian option. - Greek Yogurt: Substitute with dairy-free yogurt for a vegan choice. - Nuts: If you have nut allergies, leave out walnuts or use seeds. These swaps keep the flavor while meeting your needs. Ensalada Navideña changes by region. Each area adds its twist: - Mexico: Some use jicama for crunch and a fresh taste. - Spain: In some parts, they add olives for a salty kick. - Caribbean: Pineapple might be fresh or in syrup for a sweeter touch. These regional options show how versatile this salad can be. You can make Ensalada Navideña fit any event. Some fun ideas include: - Holiday Parties: Add festive colors with red and green peppers. - Summer Picnics: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a light meal. - Brunch: Mix in some crumbled feta for a tangy flavor. These twists keep the salad exciting and suitable for any gathering. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Store Ensalada Navideña in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. I like to use glass containers. They do not hold odors and are easy to clean. Keep the salad in the fridge. It will stay cold and safe to eat. You can freeze Ensalada Navideña if you want to save it for later. First, pack it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space for the salad to expand. When you want to eat it, move it to the fridge overnight. Let it thaw slowly. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture. Ensalada Navideña lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Look for signs of spoilage. If you see mold, or if the salad smells off, throw it away. The texture may also become mushy over time. Trust your senses; when in doubt, don't eat it. Ensalada Navideña is a festive holiday salad from Mexico. It is colorful and full of flavor. This salad combines cooked pasta, chicken, fruits, nuts, and a creamy dressing. The mix of sweet and savory makes it special. Each bite brings a burst of joy. It’s often served at Christmas gatherings, adding cheer to the table. Yes, you can make Ensalada Navideña ahead of time. I recommend prepping it a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend well. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. If you make it a day ahead, it still tastes great. Just remember to give it a gentle stir before serving to mix up the ingredients. Ensalada Navideña pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with roasted meats or grilled chicken for a hearty meal. It also complements tamales and tacos nicely. For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh soup. This salad can even stand alone as a main dish. Enjoy it with some crusty bread for a complete meal. Ensalada Navideña is a festive mix of flavors and textures. We explored traditional ingredients, nutritional facts, and easy substitutions. I shared steps for perfect preparation and tips to enhance flavor. Variations allow for creativity based on diet or occasion. Storing and serving this salad properly makes it a treat for all. Remember, making this dish is fun, and sharing it brings joy. Enjoy your culinary journey with Ensalada Navideña!

Ensalada Navideña

Delight your holiday gatherings with a festive Ensalada Navideña! This colorful salad combines cooked pasta, juicy chicken, crisp apples, sweet pineapple, and crunchy walnuts, all tied together with a creamy yogurt dressing. Perfect as a side or a main dish, it’s both delicious and easy to make. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your friends and family this season!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked and cooled pasta (fusilli or rotini)

1 cup diced cooked chicken (can use rotisserie)

1 cup chopped apples (preferably red or green)

1 cup diced fresh pineapple

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

1/4 cup raisins

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, chopped apples, diced pineapple, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and raisins.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, lime juice, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.

      Pour the yogurt dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.

        Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness with more honey if desired.

          Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

            Serve chilled, garnished with extra pomegranate seeds and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top if desired.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6