Eden's Delightful Orchard Salad
Indulge in our Eden's Delightful Orchard Salad, a heavenly medley of flavors and textures that will transport your palate to paradise. This vibrant dish features crisp romaine lettuce, tart Granny Smith apples, and sweetly spicy pecans, all harmonized with the creamy tang of a yogurt-based dressing. Garnished with crumbled feta and a hint of red onion for depth, this salad is perfect as a light meal or as an accompaniment to your favorite protein. With every bite, experience the freshness of garden-picked ingredients that not only satisfy your taste buds but also nourish your body. Enjoy this salad chilled, paired with a refreshing glass of Beaujolais, Sauvignon Blanc, or a New World Pinot Noir for an unforgettable dining experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
pecans
1/2 cup (Coated with melted butter and seasoned.)
butter
2 teaspoons (Melted.)
brown sugar
1 teaspoon (Mixed with pecans.)
salt
1 pinch (Seasoned.)
jalapeno
1/4 teaspoon (Grated.)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (Used for dressing.)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (Mixed into dressing.)
apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons (Mixed into dressing.)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (Mixed into dressing.)
nonfat yogurt
2 tablespoons (Used for dressing.)
garlic clove
1 (Chopped.)
romaine lettuce
1 head (Washed and broken into bite-sized pieces (about 5 cups).)
granny smith apple
1 (Peeled and sliced thin.)
red onion
1/4 (Sliced paper thin (about 5 slices).)
feta cheese
1 ounce (Crumble.)
golden raisins
1 tablespoon (Optional, for garnish.)
fresh fig
1 tablespoon (Quartered, optional for garnish.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the pecans with the melted butter. Add the brown sugar, salt, and grated jalapeño. Toss until the pecans are evenly coated.
3
Spread the coated pecans on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fragrant and crunchy. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, nonfat yogurt, and chopped garlic until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5
In a large serving bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, sliced apple, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of the prepared dressing and toss gently to combine.
6
Transfer the salad to a serving platter and top with the crumbled feta cheese and the cooled sweet and spicy pecans. Scatter a tablespoon of golden raisins or quartered fresh figs over the top, if desired.
7
Drizzle any remaining dressing over the salad and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eden's Delightful Orchard Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, tart Granny Smith apples, and sweetly spicy pecans, harmonized with a creamy yogurt-based dressing.
What are the main ingredients in this salad?
The core ingredients include romaine lettuce, Granny Smith apples, pecans, feta cheese, and a dressing made from nonfat yogurt, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.
How do you prepare the spicy pecans?
Pecans are coated in melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and grated jalapeño, then roasted in the oven until crunchy.
What temperature should the oven be for roasting pecans?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 163 degrees Celsius.
How long should the pecans roast?
They should be roasted for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant.
Which type of apple is best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor and firm texture.
What is the base of the salad dressing?
The dressing is a creamy mixture of nonfat yogurt, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
Is this orchard salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What kind of lettuce is used?
The recipe calls for one head of romaine lettuce, washed and broken into bite-sized pieces.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be sliced paper thin, requiring about 5 slices for the salad.
Does the dressing contain garlic?
Yes, the dressing includes one finely chopped garlic clove for added flavor.
What cheese is used as a garnish?
The salad is topped with one ounce of crumbled feta cheese.
Are there any optional garnishes?
Yes, you can optionally add a tablespoon of golden raisins or quartered fresh figs for extra sweetness.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a subtle heat because the pecans are tossed with a quarter teaspoon of grated jalapeño.
Which wines pair well with this salad?
This dish pairs beautifully with Beaujolais, Sauvignon Blanc, or a New World Pinot Noir.
Is the salad dairy-free?
No, the recipe contains butter, nonfat yogurt, and feta cheese.
How many ingredients are in the total recipe?
There are 17 ingredients including the dressing components and optional garnishes.
How should the salad be served for the best flavor?
It should be served immediately after assembly while chilled to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk the dressing components together and store them, but wait to toss the salad until serving.
What gives the dressing its thick consistency?
The combination of nonfat yogurt and whisking the olive oil with Dijon mustard creates a creamy, thick texture.
Should the pecans be cooled before adding them to the salad?
Yes, allow the roasted pecans to cool before topping the salad to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Based on the ingredient list provided, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this make?
The recipe uses 5 cups of lettuce and one whole apple, typically serving 2 to 4 people depending on if it is a main or side.
What provides the acidity in the dressing?
The acidity comes from both apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice.
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts or almonds would be suitable substitutes for the pecans.
Is the apple peeled?
The recipe instructions specify that the Granny Smith apple should be peeled and sliced thin.
What color are the raisins used for garnish?
The recipe suggests using golden raisins for their specific sweetness and color.
Can this salad be served as a main course?
Yes, it is described as a light meal but can also be served as an accompaniment to a protein.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of brown sugar is used to coat the pecans for a sweet and spicy finish.