Cranberry Pecan Mesclun Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
This vibrant Mesclun Salad is a delightful combination of fresh greens, crunchy pecans, and creamy blue cheese that delivers a medley of flavors and textures in every bite. The tangy and sweet Cranberry Vinaigrette, enriched with Dijon mustard and garlic, adds a burst of flavor that beautifully complements the salad's ingredients. Perfect as a light lunch or an impressive side dish for any gathering, this salad brings together the nuances of savory and sweet, making it a satisfying choice for any palate.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
olive oil
1/3 cup (none)
craisins
1/4 cup (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic
1/2 teaspoon (minced)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
water
2 tablespoons (none)
pecan halves
1 cup (chopped after toasting)
mesclun greens
14 ounces (washed and dried)
red onion
1 small (sliced thinly)
blue cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
craisins
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, 1/4 cup of craisins, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and water. Blend until the craisins are finely chopped and the mixture is well combined. Set aside.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool before chopping.
3
In a large salad bowl, add the washed and dried mesclun greens, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled blue cheese.
4
Just before serving, add the chopped pecans and the remaining 1/2 cup of craisins to the salad bowl.
5
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with a few extra craisins on top for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Cranberry Pecan Mesclun Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette.
How many servings does this salad provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this salad considered vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
What type of greens are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 14 ounces of washed and dried mesclun greens.
How do you prepare the pecans?
Toast the pecan halves at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes, then let them cool before chopping.
What are the ingredients for the Blue Cheese Vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of red wine vinegar, olive oil, 1/4 cup craisins, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and water.
How much blue cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese.
What is the total amount of craisins used?
A total of 3/4 cup of craisins is used: 1/4 cup in the dressing and 1/2 cup in the salad.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be sliced thinly.
What equipment is needed to make the dressing?
A blender is required to combine the dressing ingredients and finely chop the craisins.
How do you know when the pecans are done toasting?
They should be fragrant and lightly browned after 6 to 8 minutes.
When should the pecans and craisins be added to the salad?
They should be added to the salad bowl just before serving.
How much olive oil is in the vinaigrette?
The dressing uses 1/3 cup of olive oil.
What kind of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
How much garlic is used in the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
What flavor profile does the cranberry vinaigrette offer?
It is described as tangy and sweet, enriched with Dijon mustard and garlic.
How much water is added to the dressing?
Two tablespoons of water are included in the blender mixture.
Should the salad be served immediately after tossing?
Yes, for the best presentation and texture, serve immediately after tossing with the dressing.
What is the recommended garnish?
The salad can be garnished with a few extra craisins on top.
How much salt and pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used across the salad and dressing.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under 'Greens'.
How much Dijon mustard is used?
The dressing requires 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
What size red onion should I use?
A small red onion is recommended for this salad.
Should the pecans be stirred while toasting?
Yes, they should be stirred halfway through the toasting process.
What makes this salad a good side dish?
The combination of savory blue cheese, sweet craisins, and crunchy pecans creates a medley of flavors and textures.
Is the mesclun washed before assembly?
Yes, the recipe specifies using washed and dried mesclun greens.
Can I use whole pecans in the salad?
While you toast them as halves, the recipe recommends chopping them after they have cooled.