Poinsettia Salad

This Poinsettia Salad transforms simple tomatoes into a beautiful, flower-shaped appetizer or side dish that's perfect for holiday meals and special occasions. Filled with a creamy cheese mixture and finished with shredded cheddar, it's an elegant recipe that's surprisingly quick and easy to prepare.

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Poinsettia Salad

Why You'll Love This Poinsettia Salad Recipe

• A stunning presentation that looks impressive with very little effort

• Made with simple, fresh ingredients you can find at any grocery store

• Ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday entertaining

• A light, refreshing side dish that balances heavier main courses

• Perfect for Christmas dinners, brunches, showers, and special occasions

• No complicated cooking techniques or special equipment required

• Easy to prepare ahead and assemble just before serving

• Naturally low in carbohydrates and packed with fresh vegetables

• A versatile recipe that pairs beautifully with chicken, beef, seafood, or holiday meals

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Choose firm, ripe tomatoes that will hold their shape after slicing into the flower design

• Don't leave the tomatoes in the boiling water longer than 30 seconds so they remain firm and easy to handle

• Chill the cream cheese slightly before filling the tomatoes so it pipes or spoons neatly into the center

• Pat the peeled tomatoes dry before filling to prevent excess moisture from watering down the filling

• Assemble the salad shortly before serving to keep the tomatoes fresh and the lettuce crisp

Poinsettia Salad Recipe

Yields: 6

Ingredients:

• 6 medium tomatoes

• 6 T. cream cheese

• 3 tsp. heavy cream

• ¼ tsp. salt/pepper, to taste

• ½ c. shredded cheddar cheese

• Iceberg lettuce leaves for serving

Let's Get Started!

1. Core the center of the tomatoes.

2. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil, then drop the cored tomatoes into the boiling water for 30 sections then remove from the water. 

3. Gently remove the skin from the tomatoes. 

4. Cut each tomato into five sections from top to bottom, leaving them connected at the base. 

5. Then fold back the tomato sections “petals” to form a flower.

6. In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, heavy cream and salt/pepper.

7. Place the cream cheese mixture in the center of each tomato, then sprinkle with cheese.

8. Serve on a leaf of iceberg lettuce.