Cranberry Pecan Delight Salad
Celebrate the vibrant flavors of the season with this delightful Cranberry Pecan Delight Salad. Featuring a blend of fresh mixed greens, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy Montrachet goat cheese, this salad brings together contrasting textures and flavors that dance on your palate. The star attraction is the caramelized pecans, adding a crunch that elevates every bite. Drizzled with a tangy yet sweet dressing made with balsamic vinegar, fresh orange juice, and a hint of ginger, this salad is perfect for a festive brunch or any gathering. Pair it seamlessly with 'Baked French Toast' and 'Bacon and Onion Quiche' for a memorable meal.
N/A
Servings
93
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mixed greens
1 (7 ounce) bag (washed and dried)
Dried cranberries
1 (6 ounce) bag
Montrachet goat cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
Pecans
1 (4 ounce) bag (raw, to be caramelized)
Balsamic vinegar
1/8 cup
Olive oil
1/4 cup
Jam or jelly
1 tablespoon (any flavor)
Dried ginger
1/2 teaspoon
Orange juice
1/8 cup (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Instructions
1
Start by caramelizing the pecans: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2
Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and stir continuously until the mixture bubbles and reaches a slightly sticky consistency, ensuring it doesn’t become overly greasy or too dry.
3
Add the pecans to the skillet, mixing well to coat them evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pecans are golden brown and fragrant.
4
Remove the pecans from heat and spread them in a single layer on a cookie sheet to cool and dry.
5
While the pecans are cooling, prepare the salad dressing by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, jam or jelly, orange juice, and dried ginger in a small bowl until well combined.
6
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, dried cranberries, crumbled Montrachet goat cheese, and the cooled caramelized pecans.
7
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
8
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and crunch of the ingredients.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
7g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
2.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cranberry Pecan Delight Salad?
It is a festive salad featuring fresh mixed greens, sweet dried cranberries, creamy Montrachet goat cheese, and caramelized pecans with a tangy balsamic orange dressing.
What are the main ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients include mixed greens, dried cranberries, Montrachet goat cheese, pecans, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, jam, dried ginger, orange juice, and butter.
How do I caramelize the pecans for this recipe?
Melt butter in a skillet, add brown sugar until bubbly and sticky, then toss in the pecans for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 ounces of crumbled Montrachet goat cheese for its creamy texture.
What goes into the salad dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, jam or jelly, freshly squeezed orange juice, and dried ginger.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving of the Cranberry Pecan Delight Salad contains 93 calories.
Is this salad suitable for a brunch?
Yes, it is tagged for brunch and pairs perfectly with items like Baked French Toast and Bacon and Onion Quiche.
How should the pecans be cooled after caramelizing?
Remove them from the heat and spread them in a single layer on a cookie sheet to cool and dry completely.
What is the fat content of this salad?
This salad contains 6 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
The salad provides 1.5 grams of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains 1 gram of fiber per serving.
What is the sugar content of the salad?
The recipe contains 2.5 grams of sugar per serving.
What kind of greens should I use?
The recipe recommends a 7 ounce bag of mixed greens, washed and dried.
Can I use any flavor of jam for the dressing?
Yes, the recipe suggests one tablespoon of any flavor jam or jelly.
Is the orange juice in the dressing fresh?
The recipe recommends freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 total ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring fresh greens and fruit.
How long should I cook the pecans in the skillet?
The pecans should be cooked for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
What kind of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, it should be served immediately to enjoy the freshness and the crunch of the caramelized pecans.
How is the dressing prepared?
The dressing is prepared by whisking balsamic vinegar, olive oil, jam, orange juice, and dried ginger in a small bowl until well combined.
What is the consistency of the sugar and butter mixture for the pecans?
It should be stirred continuously until it bubbles and reaches a slightly sticky consistency.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
The recipe requires 1/8 cup of balsamic vinegar.
What size bag of dried cranberries is used?
A 6 ounce bag of dried cranberries is used.
What size bag of pecans is needed?
The recipe uses a 4 ounce bag of raw pecans.
What type of ginger is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of dried ginger.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for festive gatherings.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The flavors are a mix of vibrant greens, sweet cranberries, creamy cheese, and a tangy, slightly spicy dressing.
Can I substitute the Montrachet goat cheese?
While Montrachet is recommended for its creaminess, other crumbled goat cheeses could serve as a substitute.