I cannot believe I forgot to tell you about one of our new favorite, winter salad recipes, Blood Orange Salad. Or, as we like to call it, Christmas Salad. This is the perfect Christmas or Holiday salad, not only because of the seasonal flavors, but we loooove the colors. Just watch as that dressing settles and has it’s own little Ombre look. Gosh, I’m so fashionable that even my food could walk the runway (said as I’m chillin’ in grey sweats, an Abercrombie sweatshirt from 2000 and fluffy hospital socks.) 
I had the fantastic opportunity to go to Utah Valley Magazine a while back and a few of us bloggers were able to do a photo shoot of our favorite holiday dishes. Trust me, this one is definitely a favorite. I’ve also been itching to make Janey’s (Utah Valley Foodie) cheese dip. Good mercy that thing was delicious. Actually everyone’s food was amazing. Lindsey, Cafe Johnsonia even went all out with a Cassoulet. She’s a genius. I want to grow up just like her, but I’m not growing up for at least 10 more years.
Seriously though, how beautiful is that ombre dessing? Your guests (the ladies over the look and everyone over the flavor) will be loving this beautiful and tasty holiday salad. It’s packed full of oranges, blood oranges, beautiful greens, pears and brown sugar almonds. Oh, and the dressing is seriously perfect for the season. It’s a little bit citrus and warm spice all wrapped up in a neat, little package. Your holiday meal will not be the same without this beauty.
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Blood Orange Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Blood Orange Zest
- 1 Tablespoon Regular Orange Juice
- 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon [Honey Wine Vinegar-http://www.slideridgehoney.com/]
- 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/8-1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
- Pinch of Sea Salt
- 1/2 Cup Slivered Almonds
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- Parchment Paper
- 1 Package Mixed Greens
- 1 Red Pear, sliced
- 1/2 Orange, peeled and sectioned
- 1/2 Blood Orange, peeled and sectioned
- 1/4-1/3 Cup Gruyere Cheese, grated
- 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar Almonds
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients into a mason jar and shake to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Heat a pan to medium heat. Add the almonds and cook for 2-3 minutes or until nutty in smell and lightly golden.
- Quickly add the butter and cook just until it is melted. Quickly add the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring to combine and turn out onto parchment paper to cool.
- Mix the greens, oranges, pears, and cheese. Top with almonds and dressing, enjoy!
Notes
You can use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar or plain vinegar if you cannot get the honey wine vinegar. It will not be the exact same flavor, so I highly suggest buying the vinegar.
Other Great Salad Recipes
Easy Green Salad with Garlic Dill Dressing
I'm Carrian, and my family and I love to cook, bake, and enjoy time together. We believe that with a little help and a point in the right direction everyone can be successful in the kitchen. At our house everyone is family, and we hope you'll join ours. Click 
Such a pretty salad for the holidays!
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Sweet Basil Reply:
December 19th, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Thanks Laura!! I thought so too, but food is kinda like your kid, you always think it’s the best when truth be told, it could be all kinds of awkward.
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I love blood oranges and can’t wait to start seeing them in the grocery store again.
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I look forward to blood oranges every year, they are so pretty and so is this salad.
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That’s gorgeous. I love having these available this time of year. I’ve never had them in a salad dressing, great idea.
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SO pretty!
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yum! this looks perfect for christmas day!
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This looks like a great salad for company!!! Will have to add this to my list of “to-make” dishes! Thanks!
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Oh yeah, I love your presentation on this salad. Looks very fresh and inviting. Definitely something I can enjoy now. Yum!
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I love this salad! …but, I can’t see the recipe on this post…would you please email it to me? Thanks!
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Sweet Basil Reply:
December 14th, 2012 at 8:49 am
Hi Brooke! It’s back up and running. Let me know if you need help with anything. Or if you still cannot see it.
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Brooke Reply:
December 14th, 2012 at 9:24 am
Looks great! Thanks!
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This looks gorgeous! I LOVE blood oranges!
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