Vegan Salads to Elevate Your Holiday Dinner

Christmas at the Waldorf Salad

This crispy, crunchy, and delightful salad is the perfect companion to your vegan Christmas dinner. Cranberries add a festive touch and a burst of holiday flavor to this vegan twist on the traditional Waldorf salad. It looks and tastes extra special but is incredibly easy to make and can be doubled to serve a larger crowd. No one will ever guess that the creamy dressing is entirely dairy-free.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: Tofu

Tofu, a bean curd made from soybeans, is a highly nutritious and versatile food. It provides a significant source of protein and is rich in calcium and B vitamins, making it a staple in most vegetarian and vegan households. Available in both firm and soft forms, tofu can be used in a variety of dishes, from creamy dressings to rich desserts and spicy stir-fries. Its mild natural taste allows it to absorb other flavors, making it the perfect foundation for a host of sweet and savory dishes.

For this recipe, be sure to use soft tofu, also known as silken tofu. This is a general rule of thumb for any recipe that involves blending or pureeing tofu.

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 lb soft tofu
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, honey, or artificial sweetener
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. If you don't have a blender, combine the ingredients in a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer. Refrigerate while preparing the salad ingredients.

Salad Ingredients

• 4 large tart red apples, cored and chopped into bite-size pieces
• 2 cups celery, diced
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup cranberries

Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in the mixed dressing. If you have any mint leaves on hand, they make a perfect garnish. Chill the salad until ready to serve.

Sparkling Peaches

Fresh peaches add a rosy glow to traditional cranberry-orange relish. These wonderful vegan Christmas sweets can be served with or as a prelude to your holiday meal, or as a wonderfully refreshing no-fat dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 large orange
• 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup sugar, honey, or artificial sweetener
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 8 peaches, halved and pitted

Chop cranberries to the desired consistency in a blender or food chopper, transfer to a medium bowl, and set aside. Quarter the orange and lemon half, remove seeds, and grind finely in the same kitchen device.

Stir the ground citrus, sweetener, and corn syrup into the cranberries. If using sugar as a sweetener, stir until dissolved. Place the bowl in the freezer for about an hour, stirring occasionally. Halve and pit peaches, and rub the cut sides with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Place a dollop of dressing in the center of each and arrange in a shallow baking pan to serve. Accent "sparkles" with fresh orange garnishes for a fun, festive touch.

Interesting Stats

• According to a 2020 survey by the Vegan Society, the number of vegans in the UK has quadrupled between 2014 and 2019, reaching 600,000 people (source).
• A study published in the journal Nutrients found that a vegan diet can provide all the necessary nutrients and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer (source).
• The global vegan food market is projected to reach $31.4 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2019 to 2026 (source).

These stats highlight the growing popularity and health benefits of a vegan diet, making these holiday salads not only delicious but also a smart choice for your festive table.