Autumn Cranberry Walnut Delight Salad
Experience the flavors of autumn with this vibrant Cranberry Walnut Delight Salad. Packed with crisp greens, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, this dish is a great addition to your fall and winter gatherings. The sharpness of crumbled blue cheese melds beautifully with the tart cranberries and the richness of walnuts, creating a delightful contrast that will keep your guests coming back for more. Served with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad not only pleases the palate but also adds a splash of color to your table, making it the perfect side dish for holiday dinners or casual get-togethers.
8
Servings
90
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red leaf lettuce
1 head (washed and torn into bite-sized pieces)
Romaine lettuce
1 head (washed and torn into bite-sized pieces)
Endive
1 head (washed and torn into bite-sized pieces)
Red onion
1 medium (peeled and sliced into half circles)
Dried cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
Chopped walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
Blue cheese
6 ounces (crumbled)
Mandarin oranges
1 (8 ounce) can or 1 (drained or sliced and peeled (optional))
Instructions
1
Wash and dry the red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, and endive. Chop or tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
2
Peel and thinly slice the red onion into half-moon shapes. Add the sliced onion to the bowl with the lettuce.
3
If using, drain the mandarin oranges and add them whole or slice them before adding to the salad.
4
Sprinkle the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts over the salad mixture.
5
Toss the salad thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
6
Drizzle your favorite balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
7
Plate the salad and top with crumbled blue cheese for added flavor.
8
For an extra touch, garnish with any remaining walnuts, cranberries, or a slice of orange.
Nutrition Information
4.75g
Fat
8.125g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
3.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Autumn Cranberry Walnut Delight Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring crisp greens, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and blue cheese, typically served with balsamic vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, the Autumn Cranberry Walnut Delight Salad is vegetarian.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 90 calories.
What types of lettuce are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a mix of red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, and endive.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
Yes, if you do not like blue cheese, you can substitute it with feta, goat cheese, or gorgonzola.
What kind of dressing goes best with this salad?
A tangy balsamic vinaigrette is recommended for this recipe.
Are the mandarin oranges fresh or canned?
You can use one 8-ounce can of drained mandarin oranges or one fresh sliced and peeled orange.
How should I prepare the red onion?
The red onion should be peeled and thinly sliced into half-moon or half-circle shapes.
Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds make great substitutes for walnuts.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 4.75g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 8.125g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this salad?
Each serving provides 3.75g of protein.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
The recipe contains 3.75g of sugar per serving, primarily from the dried cranberries and oranges.
What is the fiber content?
There is 1.25g of fiber per serving.
When is the best time to add the dressing?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but do not combine the dressing or cheese until you are ready to serve.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
Ensure the lettuce is thoroughly washed and dried before assembly, and wait to add the dressing until the last moment.
Is this salad suitable for holiday dinners?
Yes, its seasonal flavors and vibrant colors make it a perfect side dish for fall and winter holiday gatherings.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, sliced grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas would be excellent additions for a more substantial meal.
What makes this salad 'Autumnal'?
The combination of dried cranberries, walnuts, and hearty greens reflects traditional fall and winter flavors.
Should the walnuts be toasted?
While the recipe calls for chopped walnuts, toasting them lightly in a pan can enhance their crunch and flavor.
How should I garnish the final dish?
Garnish with extra walnuts, cranberries, or a slice of orange for a professional presentation.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to wash, dry, and chop the red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, and endive.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always ensure your balsamic vinaigrette is certified gluten-free.
How many grams of blue cheese are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of crumbled blue cheese.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are preferred for their sweetness; fresh cranberries may be too tart unless they are cooked or candied first.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use a different onion?
Red onion is preferred for its color and mild flavor, but shallots could be used as a substitute.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; however, dressed salad will lose its crispness quickly.