Festive Cranberry Feta & Walnut Salad
Brighten up any gathering with this Festive Cranberry Feta & Walnut Salad! A delightful combination of mixed salad greens, sweetened cranberries, and creamy feta cheese pairs beautifully with the crunchy toasted walnuts. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a perfect choice for holiday dinners, potlucks, or as a refreshing side. Drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette enhanced with honey and Dijon mustard, this dish is sure to impress your guests or make a delicious weekday meal. Enjoy it fresh and vibrant, and let the burst of flavors take you on a culinary journey.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
mixed salad greens
1 (10 ounce package)
dried sweetened cranberries
1 (cup)
crumbled feta cheese
1 (4 ounce package)
toasted walnuts
1/2 (cup, coarsely chopped)
balsamic vinegar
2 (tablespoons)
honey
1 (tablespoon)
Dijon mustard
1 (teaspoon)
ground black pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 (cup)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
2
In a large shallow salad bowl or on a large serving platter, layer the mixed salad greens evenly at the base.
3
Generously sprinkle the dried cranberries over the greens, followed by the crumbled feta cheese and the toasted walnuts.
4
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground black pepper until combined.
5
Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.
6
Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving, and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
7
Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this festive salad!
Nutrition Information
12.75g
Fat
14.5g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
1.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Cranberry Feta & Walnut Salad?
It is a colorful salad featuring mixed greens, sweetened cranberries, creamy feta cheese, and toasted walnuts, topped with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 180 calories in a serving of this salad.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple assembly and a quick homemade dressing.
What are the primary greens used in this dish?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce package of mixed salad greens.
Can I use a different type of cheese than feta?
While the recipe specifies feta, you could substitute it with goat cheese or gorgonzola for a similar creamy texture.
How should I prepare the walnuts?
The walnuts should be toasted in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and then coarsely chopped.
What are the ingredients for the balsamic dressing?
The dressing consists of balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
Can I substitute the honey in the dressing?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a sweetener alternative to honey.
Is this Festive Cranberry Salad healthy?
Yes, the salad is tagged as healthy and contains nutritious ingredients like walnuts, greens, and olive oil.
How long does it take to toast the walnuts?
It takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes to toast the walnuts over medium heat.
Can this salad be made in advance?
You can prepare the ingredients and dressing ahead of time, but you should wait to toss them together until just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
What toppings are included in this salad?
The toppings include dried sweetened cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted walnuts.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 3.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 14.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this salad suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for holiday dinners and festive potlucks.
Can I add protein like chicken to this salad?
Yes, adding grilled chicken or turkey would make this salad a more substantial main meal.
What kind of vinegar is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 12.75 grams per serving.
How do you emulsify the salad dressing?
Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously with the other dressing ingredients until creamy.
How much fiber does this salad provide?
This salad provides 1.75 grams of fiber per serving.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Yes, toasted pecans or almonds are excellent substitutes for walnuts in this recipe.
What makes this salad visually appealing for holidays?
The vibrant contrast between the green leaves, red cranberries, and white feta cheese gives it a festive appearance.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
Dried sweetened cranberries are recommended for their texture and sweetness; fresh cranberries may be too tart for this specific recipe.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
A total of 9 ingredients are needed to make both the salad and the dressing.
Is Dijon mustard included in the recipe?
Yes, the dressing includes one teaspoon of Dijon mustard to enhance the flavor.
When should the dressing be added to the salad?
The dressing should be poured over the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.
Is this recipe categorized as an appetizer?
Yes, it is tagged as an appetizer, though it can also serve as a side dish or light meal.
How can I prevent the walnuts from burning during toasting?
Stir the walnuts frequently and monitor them closely while they are in the skillet.
Is this salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the ingredients listed are suitable for a vegetarian diet.
What tools do I need to prepare the dressing?
You will need a small mixing bowl and a whisk to combine the dressing ingredients properly.