Festive Cranberry Feta Walnut Salad
Elevate your dining experience with this colorful and nutritious Festive Cranberry Feta Walnut Salad. Packed with vibrant mixed greens, sweetened cranberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted walnuts, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette that combines the tanginess of vinegar and the sweetness of honey, this dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing side for any meal. Enjoy it fresh and vibrant, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mixed salad greens
2 cups (Use a mix of leaf lettuce, endive, and radicchio)
Dried sweetened cranberries
1 cup (None)
Crumbled feta cheese
4 ounces (None)
Walnut pieces
1/2 cup (Toast before adding)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (None)
Honey
1 tablespoon (None)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (None)
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (None)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted walnut pieces. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground black pepper until thoroughly combined.
3
Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk the dressing until it emulsifies and thickens slightly.
4
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
5
Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Cranberry Feta Walnut Salad?
It is a colorful and nutritious salad featuring mixed greens, sweetened cranberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted walnuts, served with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of greens should I use for this salad?
The recipe recommends a mix of leaf lettuce, endive, and radicchio.
Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian.
What are the ingredients in the balsamic vinaigrette?
The dressing is made of balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
How do I prepare the walnuts for this recipe?
You should toast the walnut pieces before adding them to the salad for the best flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It is recommended to serve the salad immediately after dressing to maintain the best flavor and texture.
How do I emulsify the dressing?
Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking the other ingredients until the mixture thickens slightly.
What sweetener is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of honey.
How much feta cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
What kind of mustard is used in the vinaigrette?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
How many cups of mixed greens are required?
You will need 2 cups of mixed salad greens.
How many dried cranberries should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dried sweetened cranberries.
Is there pepper in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What amount of balsamic vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
What is the first step in making the salad?
Combine the greens, cranberries, feta, and toasted walnuts in a large bowl and toss gently.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The salad offers a balance of tangy, sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavors.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and healthy dish.
What occasions is this salad suitable for?
It is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing side for any meal.
Is this dish considered a light meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a light meal.
What is the ratio of vinegar to oil in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of vinegar to 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of oil.
Can I use plain walnuts?
While you can use plain walnuts, the recipe specifically suggests toasting them first.
Does the recipe include salt?
The provided ingredient list does not include salt, only ground black pepper.
How do I ensure the ingredients are well coated?
Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, cranberry, feta, walnut, mixed greens, balsamic vinaigrette, healthy, vegetarian, holiday, and light meal.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients list, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
What should I whisk together before adding the oil?
Whisk the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground black pepper together first.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
While the recipe calls for walnuts, you could likely substitute with pecans or almonds if desired.
Are the cranberries fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies dried sweetened cranberries.