Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena) is a delicious combination of lettuce, beets, fruit, and peanuts in a light orange vinaigrette. Serve it during the holidays or anytime!
This salad is so fresh and delicious, it’s really perfect for all occasions. I’ve read a lot of recipes for Mexican Christmas Eve Salad, and each one contains different ingredients. The only constant seems to be the beets. And the rest is up to you!
Some of the versions I saw have pomegranate seeds, and I knew I wanted to include them. Some of my favorite festive salads contain pomegranate seeds, such as Pomegranate and Apple Kale Salad and Spinach and Persimmon Salad.
Other common ingredients I found are jicama and roasted peanuts. I decided to use both for crunch.
In addition, most of the salads contain seasonal fruit which varies by region. I’m talking bananas, plantains, oranges, apples, and pineapple, which is my choice for this version.
So what exactly is a Mexican Christmas Eve salad?
It’s whatever you want it to be! Take some Romaine lettuce and beets, add some of your favorite ingredients, and dress it with an orange-flavored vinaigrette. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?
And I’ll let you in on a little secret: I bought most of the ingredients pre-cut to save time. I didn’t feel like cutting up a pineapple or jicama. Plus I even bought some pre-cooked baby beets. (Thanks, Trader Joe’s!)
I hope you enjoy this Mexican Christmas Eve Salad. Be sure to share your photos of your personal version with me on my Facebook page or on Instagram and tag me @veggiessavetheday #veggiessavetheday. I can’t wait to see your salads!
Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena)
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp orange juice
- salt and pepper to taste
For the salad:
- 2 cups Romaine lettuce cut in strips
- 2 small beets cooked, cooled, and sliced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple cubed
- 1 cup jicama cubed
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup roasted salted peanuts
Instructions
- Combine the salad ingredients in a small jar and shake well.
- Divide the lettuce and other salad ingredients between two bowls or salad plates.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salads and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
You can roast the beets in the oven or steam them. Or take a short cut and purchase pre-cooked beets.
You may also like these other colorful salads:
Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds and Cranberries
Burma Superstar Tea Leaf Salad
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!
What are your favorite holiday recipes? Please let me know in the comments!
I’m in Mexico right now and will be for Christmas. I am so making this gorgeous celebratory salad!
I admit, I’m a little jealous, Letty! Have a wonderful time in Mexico, and enjoy the salad!
That sounds like a salad I would love! Fun flavors and textures 😀
It’s really delicious!
i have never heard of mexican christmas eve salad before i could this everyday 🙂 looks so refreshing & festive.
I could definitely eat it everyday!
I’ve never heard of Christmas Eve salad before but your version looks delicious! I’ll get the beets ready for Christmas Eve!
Thanks Mary Ellen! I think you’ll really like it!
It looks so festive! Love the addition of beets. YUM!
Thanks Linda! It’s festive and nutritious!
What a delicious idea for mixing it up at the Christmas table!
Thanks Becky!
I’ve never heard of Christmas Eve salad before, but it sure sounds delicious! Love the juicy pineapple in there!
Thanks Jenn! I love pineapple. 🙂
What a great idea to plan in a salad for Christmas. I always like to bring a salad to our holiday gatherings too. That way I can make sure I can get some delicious fresh vegetables into the day.
That’s a great idea, Cadry! I think this salad would be a hit at any gathering.
What a great idea! I love beets so this would be the perfect Christmas Eve Salad 🙂
Thanks Stephanie! If you love beets, this is definitely the salad for you. 🙂
I’ve never heard of Mexican Christmas Eve Salad, but I love everything in it, so I’m going to need to try it soon!
It’s really delicious, Dianne!
Love all the textures going on in this salad…the peanuts and pomgranate seed combo is a fav of mine! Great fresh salad for the holidays!
Thanks Anjali! I’m kind of addicted! 🙂
What a delicious looking salad! There are so many flavours and textures going on there and that orangey dressing sounds lovely!
Thank you, Mel! It’s definitely flavorful. 🙂
What a fun colorful salad! I just made one with pomegranates yesterday. SO good! Love the addition of the peanuts!
Thanks Sophia! It’s festive and delicious. 🙂
I’ve never heard of Mexican Christmas Eve Salad but I love the idea of this! You are my go to girl for healthy Christmas treats! I love jicama, and I use the pre steamed beats from Trader Joe’s too!
Thanks Sarah! I think the kids would like it, too. It’s naturally sweet and colorful.
Loved your ingredients! Like to try soon! Looks fabulous:)
Thanks Uma!