Cranberry Walnut Delight Salad
This vibrant Cranberry Walnut Delight Salad is a refreshing mix of leafy greens, crunchy walnuts, sweet cranberries, and rich, grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Perfect for any occasion, whether as a standalone meal or a side dish, this salad bursts with flavors and textures. The combination of crispiness from the walnuts and sweetness from the cranberries makes it a delightful addition to your dining table, appealing to both the palate and the eye. Enjoy it throughout the year, from summer picnics to cozy winter gatherings, and watch it quickly become a favorite among family and friends!
4-6 servings
Servings
87
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lettuce (Romaine, Green or Red Leaf)
1 head (Washed, dried, and torn into pieces)
Chopped walnuts
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Dried sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup (None)
Grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Olive oil
To taste (Drizzled over salad)
Crusty seasoned croutons or crostini
Optional (Added for crunch)
Black olives
1 cup (Sliced, optional)
Golden raisins
1/2 cup (Optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and drying the lettuce leaves thoroughly. Tear them into bite-sized pieces for a mix of texture and visuals. You can use a combination of Romaine, Green or Red Leaf for added color.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn lettuce with the chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
3
Drizzle olive oil over the salad mixture, just enough to coat the ingredients lightly, and toss everything together gently to combine evenly.
4
For added crunch and flavor, consider mixing in crusty seasoned croutons or leftover crostini. You could also add 1 cup of black olives or 1/2 cup of golden raisins for a different taste profile.
5
While tomatoes can be included for additional freshness, they may get lost in the mix. If desired, feel free to incorporate them according to your preference.
6
Serve immediately as a light meal or as a side dish at your next gathering. Enjoy the delightful crunch and balance of flavors!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
7g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
0.8g
Fiber
1.7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Cranberry Walnut Delight Salad?
The main ingredients include lettuce (Romaine, Green, or Red Leaf), chopped walnuts, dried sweetened cranberries, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and olive oil.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 87 calories.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings.
What type of cheese is used in the Cranberry Walnut Delight Salad?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
Can I add olives to this salad?
Yes, for a different taste profile, you can mix in 1 cup of sliced black olives.
What type of lettuce is recommended?
You can use a combination of Romaine, Green Leaf, or Red Leaf lettuce for the best texture and color.
How much fat is in one serving of this salad?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
Is this salad suitable for a Thanksgiving meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a Thanksgiving dish and is perfect for holiday gatherings.
Can I add raisins to this recipe?
Yes, adding 1/2 cup of golden raisins is a suggested option for extra sweetness.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
The lettuce should be washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces.
What is the protein content per serving?
The salad provides 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of dressing is used?
The salad is dressed simply with olive oil, drizzled over the ingredients and tossed to coat lightly.
Are there any crunchy additions suggested for this salad?
You can add crusty seasoned croutons or leftover crostini for extra crunch.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that can be prepared quickly.
Can I include tomatoes in the Cranberry Walnut Delight Salad?
Yes, you can incorporate tomatoes for extra freshness, though they may get lost among the other ingredients.
What is the sugar content per serving?
The salad contains 1.7 grams of sugar per serving.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it provides approximately 0.8 grams of fiber per serving.
Should the walnuts be whole or chopped?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
Is the Pecorino Romano cheese grated or sliced?
The recipe requires the cheese to be grated.
Can this salad be served as a main meal?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as either a light standalone meal or a side dish.
How soon should I serve the salad after mixing?
It is recommended to serve the salad immediately to enjoy the best crunch and flavor.
What makes this salad a 'vibrant' choice?
The mix of leafy greens, red cranberries, and golden walnuts creates an appealing visual presentation.
How much olive oil should be used?
Drizzle the olive oil 'to taste,' using just enough to lightly coat the salad ingredients.
Is this salad appropriate for a summer picnic?
Yes, it is categorized as a summer salad and is perfect for outdoor picnics.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients total, including optional items like croutons, olives, and raisins.
What is the primary flavor profile of the salad?
The flavor profile is a balance of refreshing greens, crunchy nuts, sweet fruit, and salty cheese.
Is there any preparation needed for the cranberries?
No preparation is needed; simply use 1/2 cup of dried sweetened cranberries.
Are there instructions for tossing the salad?
Yes, after drizzling the olive oil, you should toss everything together gently to combine evenly.
What is the recipe ID for this dish?
The recipe ID is cranberry-walnut-delight-salad.