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Insalata Di Natale: An Italian Christmas Salad

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Eva Amurri shares a recipe for an Italian Christmas Salad

I told you guys that I’d start sharing more of my favorite Italian recipes, and I’m excited to share this very special Christmas recipe with you all! The word for Christmas in Italy is “Natale”, and Christmas in Italy is a big deal! Instead of Santa, they have Babbo Natale, and there are definitely some important Christmas traditions in Italy. One of them is consuming a TONNNN of panettone, a delicious pastry that has powdered sugar on top and different candied fruits and raisins inside.

My mom’s side of the family comes from Sicily, and we still have relatives there! I LOVE Sicilian food, particularly how Island-centric it is, and how well they incorporate fresh and local ingredients into just about every dish.

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One of my favorite Sicilian dishes for the holiday season is Insalata Di Natale, or “Christmas Salad”! I have always loved this dish because it is fresh and healthy, and pairs really nicely with the braised meats or heavier pasta’s that are often on the Holiday table. Briny olives and capers mix so beautifully with citrus and earthy olive oil, and then some fresh crunch from green veggies! Topped with a burst of sweetness from pomegranate, this salad can be enjoyed all year long, not just at Christmas time.

Today I’m sharing my Italian Christmas Salad recipe, in case you might want something a little different on your Holiday table this year.

This recipe serves 4-6!

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Eva Amurri shares a recipe for an Italian Christmas Salad

Italian Christmas Salad / Insalata Di Natale

One of my favorite Sicilian dishes for the holiday season is Insalata Di Natale, or "Christmas Salad"! I have always loved this dish because it is fresh and healthy, and pairs really nicely with the braised meats or heavier pasta's that are often on the Holiday table. Briny olives and capers mix so beautifully with citrus and earthy olive oil, and then some fresh crunch from green veggies! Topped with a burst of sweetness from pomegranate, this salad can be enjoyed all year long, not just at Christmas time. 
4.41 from 10 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 397 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325º F.
  • Put the pine nuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until golden but not burnt. 
  • Remove from the oven, and allow to cool. Meanwhile, combine the fennel, endive, oranges, olives, capers, blanched celery, olive oil, salt, lemon juice, and pepper in a large bowl and toss well. 
  • Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and pomegranate seeds. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Italian Christmas Salad / Insalata Di Natale
Amount Per Serving (6 oz)
Calories 397 Calories from Fat 234
% Daily Value*
Fat 26g40%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Sodium 2105mg92%
Potassium 1698mg49%
Carbohydrates 42g14%
Fiber 19g79%
Sugar 19g21%
Protein 10g20%
Vitamin A 7766IU155%
Vitamin C 83mg101%
Calcium 266mg27%
Iron 5mg28%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Christmas, Italian, Salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Photographs by Julia Dags | Happily Eva After, Inc. © 2020 All Rights Reserved

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1 Comment

  1. Nola Németh-Odens says:

    4 stars
    Very expensive when ingredients bought at Whole Foods, just under $100! Still, colorful and healthy and a great addition to the once-a-year event.

    12.18.21 Reply