This shop about easy meals and holiday entertaining has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HolidayMadeSimple #CollectiveBias
Pizza was meant for parties, right? That’s why you’ll never catch us without a few frozen pizzas in the freezer, especially during the holiday season when the dreaded drop-in is a possibility at all times! Easy meals are a must during the hectic December rush, and you never know when you might be entertaining at a moment’s notice!
But all pizza is not created equal. I’m a sucker for unique flavors and a stickler for premium ingredients, so we look for the yellow box – California Pizza Kitchen. The white variety is my favorite, with creme fraiche sauce, spinach, garlic, and five cheeses on a killer crispy thin crust. (But it’s a close race between that one and the BBQ Chicken Pizza, which screams to be paired with a tall glass of sweet tea!)
All you have to do is remember to grab a few when you’re in the pizza aisle…
See, my little helper even knows which one Mommy likes! (This was our latest freezer run at Walmart.)
But as much as I love pizza (who doesn’t, right?) it just doesn’t feel complete to me without a side of seasonal veggies.
And what a season it is for veggies! Fruit, too. Winter is prime time for hearty greens, cranberries and fresh peak-season citrus, so it’s easy to add a little fresh to your frozen for a well-rounded meal that is easy to serve to a crowd quickly. Because whether you plan a party or it just pops up out of nowhere, who wants to spend the whole time in the kitchen preparing food? You have celebrating to do!
And making it easy on yourself doesn’t mean sacrificing anything in the way of flavor or nutrition. This festive Clementine Basil Vinaigrette is one of my favorite holiday recipes, and it comes together in about 5 minutes. The fruity, herby blend adds just the right fresh and festive touch to a seasonal salad featuring tart cranberries, sharp white cheddar, toasted almond slivers and the zing of red onion.
Toss it all together and serve buffet style so guests can serve themselves. It doesn’t get much easier!
You can bet your friends and family will welcome the pop of fresh flavor after weeks of cookie platters. Pair the whole deal with a seasonal craft beer and your guests just may never leave!
Clementine Basil Vinaigrette
Serve over a merry mix of winter greens (like spinach, romaine, arugula and baby kale) topped with cranberries, white cheddar, slivered red onion and warm toasted almonds.
- ¾ cup orange juice
- the pulp and juice of one clementine (slice in half, then use a paring knife to carve pulp out of sections)
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- In a glass jar or container, mix all ingredients except oil. Cover tightly and shake or whisk until well blended.
- Add oil ¼ cup at a time, shaking or whisking until mixture is emulsified. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving. Store up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and shake before serving.
Need more holiday inspiration? Click for easy ideas and ways to add more flavorful moments to your holiday entertaining!
What’s your go-to recipe for holiday entertaining? Leave a comment below (the easier the better!)
My go to recipes are dips usually. My buffalo chicken and/or spinach dip both go over well.
I make buffalo chicken dip, too, and it’s the biggest hit! I always want to try something different, but nobody wants to hear that. They riot if I don’t make it!
This vinaigrette sounds fantastic, nice and light, can’t wait to try this!
Katie Harding recently posted…Gifts for Men – Oral-B to the Rescue!
You’re right, not all pizza is created equal! lol…I like to offer a fresh salad to go with pizza too. This vinaigrette sounds delicious!
Jessica Beal Harlow recently posted…Enter to win 2 Coupon Organizers from UltraPro! @UltraProIntl
I loooove CPK! I didn’t know that they had frozen pizzas. Where have I been?
Brittany recently posted…GOLDEN
My go to is my spinach dip with fresh bread from the bakery. It’s quick and simple.
becca recently posted…Ebook – Best Healthy Vegan Holidays Recipes #BookReview
I love California Pizza Kitchen’s frozen pizzas. My favorite is the white. I sometimes treat myself to this.
Tonya C recently posted…Trend Alert: Personalized Pajama Sets
I love spinach on my pizza too. That vinegarette looks so easy and tasty.
maria @closetohome recently posted…Are you prepared for Cold and Flu Season ?
What a nice meal idea. These are some new flavors I’d be interested in making.
Onica {MommyFactor} recently posted…NYC Giveaway: Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee/Tea Coupon Cards Are Great Last Minute Holiday Gifts
I pinned this, it sounds amazing! Sounds great on a fresh salad!
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Learning With Disney (Apps For Kids and Parents) #DisneyImagicademy
Thanks so much for pinning!
That pizza looks awesome! I like a good, light vinaigrette on my salad too!
Liz Mays recently posted…Christmas Decorating Ideas #BestDressedHome
California Pizza Kitchen is my favorite place to eat and I love their salads too. The Clementine Basil Vinaigrette looks like it would be so tasty.
I do a lot of dips and snack cookies and such.
Debbie Denny recently posted…Frozen Soundtrack Ranked No. 1 Selling Album On The 2014 Year-End Billboard! #Frozen
This looks delicious! I cant wait to try it 🙂
That sounds like a fantastic flavour combination. I’ve never had clementine and basil together.
Ginger Mommy recently posted…#PurinaHolidayWM Purina Treat Catch Game & Contest alert #Ad #Walmart
The California Pizza Kitchen pizza is about the only kind that I will buy. It’s just so good and my favorite place for pizza so if I can have it at home, awesome! I’m wanting to try your vinaigrette recipe. I’m always afraid to try them because I made one once and it didn’t turn out how I imagined.
Tiff @ Babes and Kids recently posted…Lassig Green Label Neckline Diaper Bag, for Moms on the Go
That sounds like such a fresh and yummy vinaigrette. I was not aware that they had frozen California Pizza Kitchen pizzas, I love going to their restaurant!
Lauren recently posted…Favorite Holiday Gift for Photo Lovers #Cube
This sounds delicious! I want to start making all my own condiments and this would be a good starter! I bet my boys would even like this!
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted recently posted…Start the New Year Off Right with a Blendtec #Giveaway
My kids did like it, but they’re total fruitheads! I hear you on the condiments – ketchup has been on my radar for a while now, but I am pretty picky and I’m not sure I’ll like homemade! (Plus, the work!) Probably worth a try, though!
I would have never thought to combine clementine and basil. I bet it was scrumptious! The California Pizza Kitchen white pizza is one of my favorites.
Virginia @thatbaldchick recently posted…Graco Modes Click Connect Travel System
a clementine basil vinaigrette sounds so tasty on a salad. Looks like it paired perfectly with the CPK pizza! My go-to food is not really a food but candy! I make a tasty coconut candy ball I love to serve to everyone!
Amanda A recently posted…Diaper Bags for New Moms: PacaPod The 3 in1 Organization System
This recipe sounds so fresh and light. I like vinaigrette’s – they are my favorite dressings for any salad. I will definitely make it.
Elizabeth Towns recently posted…Take the Perfect Picture #CamerasatBestBuy
We don’t have California Pizza Kitchen here, but it looks like it would be delicious!
Danielle recently posted…5 Hair Health Tips for New Moms
Mmmmmm I love CPK pizza! We usually go there a couple times a month. Must pick it up for home!
Kristin recently posted…What to Wear on New Year’s Day
I’ve never been to that actual restaurant! It’s on my must-try list when traveling!
I have not made a dressing like this before, looks good. My go to is usually a spinach cheese dip and of course lots of baking goodies.
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin) recently posted…2014 Holiday Gift Guide Silver Dolphin Books #HGG
My favorite is the white pizza, too! My go-to recipes are usually an app (like spinach artichoke dip) or dessert!
Emily @ Baby Dickey recently posted…Mom Date Day Break: Coffee Cake Muffins & McCafe Coffee
I’m a dessert girl, too. I think that’s why I like even my dressings sweet!
Yum! This has to be an amazing combo. I can’t wait to try this dressing recipe. Love making my own dressings! #client
I love CPK pizza – so good! I’ve always been intimidated to try and make my own dressing but I think I might!
Melissa recently posted…Traditions Matter with Hickory Farms
I have been on the hunt for a delicious salad dressing, this sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try this.
Ellen That Chic Mom recently posted…DIY Jewelry Holder
My daughter and I make Black Bean Dip for holiday entertaining. It takes a while to make but it is oh so worth it!
My go to recipes are usually some kind of appetizer or salad. Our favorite is a cold broccoli and bacon salad. This vinaigrette is amazing! Makes me yearn for warmer weather!
Sounds so delicious! I am going to try this recipe
This recipe looks so tasty and perfect for pizza.