Holiday Celebration Green Salad with Candied Nuts
Elevate your festive gatherings with this vibrant and refreshing Holiday Celebration Green Salad. This delightful dish is adorned with bagged spring greens, tangy crumbled feta cheese, and sweet cranberries, topped with a generous scoop of crunchy, homemade candied nuts. Substitute fresh, juicy strawberries in place of cranberries during peak season for an added burst of flavor. The complementary dressing is a perfect blend of rich olive oil, sweet sugar, and bold red wine vinegar, providing a robust flavor that ties every element together. With extra dressing to spare, this recipe ensures that you are equipped for multiple festive occasions. The candied nuts are a stand-alone treat, delicious on their own for snacking, adding a delightful crunch in salads, or even as an elegant appetizer.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 cup (n/a)
sugar (for dressing)
3/4 cup (n/a)
red wine vinegar
1/2 cup (n/a)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (n/a)
salt (for dressing)
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
paprika
1 teaspoon (n/a)
garlic
2 cloves (pressed)
sugar (for nuts)
1/2 cup (n/a)
cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon (n/a)
salt (for nuts)
1/8 teaspoon (n/a)
egg white
1 (n/a)
mixed nuts
2 1/2 cups (n/a)
real butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Instructions
1
For the salad, start with a generous base of fresh bagged spring greens. Toss in crumbled feta cheese and a handful of sweetened cranberries to enhance the festive appeal. Don’t forget to generously sprinkle the cooled candied nuts over the top for that perfect crunch.
2
To prepare the dressing, whisk together olive oil, sugar, red wine vinegar, pepper, salt, paprika, and pressed garlic in a bowl until well combined. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate until serving.
3
For the candied nuts, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg white until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar mixture and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the nuts until fully coated.
4
Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with heavy-duty tin foil. Melt the butter in the oven in the lined pan. Once melted, spread the nut mixture evenly over the melted butter.
5
Bake the nuts for about 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until they are browned and no butter remains in the pan. Remove from oven and let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Holiday Celebration Green Salad with Candied Nuts?
It is a festive salad featuring spring greens, tangy feta cheese, and dried cranberries, topped with homemade candied nuts and a flavorful red wine vinaigrette.
What kind of greens should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using bagged spring greens for a fresh and vibrant base.
What ingredients are needed for the salad dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, sugar, red wine vinegar, black pepper, salt, paprika, and pressed garlic.
How do I make the candied nuts?
You beat an egg white until soft peaks form, add a sugar and cinnamon mixture to reach stiff peaks, fold in mixed nuts, and bake them in melted butter at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should the candied nuts bake?
Bake the nuts for about 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes until they are browned.
Can I substitute the cranberries?
Yes, you can substitute fresh, juicy strawberries for cranberries during peak season for a different flavor profile.
What type of cheese is used in this salad?
Crumbled feta cheese is used to provide a tangy contrast to the sweet elements of the salad.
How should I store the salad dressing?
Store the dressing in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to serve.
Can the candied nuts be eaten alone?
Yes, the candied nuts are a delicious stand-alone treat for snacking or can be served as an appetizer.
What is the purpose of beating the egg white for the nuts?
Beating the egg white to stiff peaks creates a light, crunchy coating that holds the sugar and cinnamon mixture onto the nuts.
Does the recipe make extra dressing?
Yes, the recipe provides enough dressing for multiple occasions.
What kind of nuts work best for the candied nut portion?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of mixed nuts, but you can use your favorite variety.
How do I prepare the garlic for the dressing?
The garlic should be pressed before being whisked into the other dressing ingredients.
What temperature should the oven be set to for the nuts?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the baking pan for the nuts?
Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with heavy-duty tin foil and melt 1/4 cup of real butter in it before adding the nuts.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly.
What spices are used in the candied nuts?
The nuts are seasoned with a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Should I cool the candied nuts before serving?
Yes, let the nuts cool completely before adding them to the salad or storing them in a container.
How often should I stir the nuts while they are baking?
You should stir the nuts every 10 minutes to ensure they brown evenly and the butter is absorbed.
What gives the salad dressing its bold flavor?
The combination of red wine vinegar, paprika, and pressed garlic creates a robust and bold flavor profile.
Can I make the candied nuts in advance?
Yes, they can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.
What size pan should I use for the nuts?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is the recommended size for this recipe.
What makes this salad a good choice for holidays?
The combination of festive ingredients like cranberries, feta, and sweet nuts makes it vibrant and appealing for celebratory meals.
Is there salt in both the dressing and the nuts?
Yes, salt is used in both the salad dressing and the candied nut mixture to enhance the flavors.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of vinegar?
The recipe specifically calls for red wine vinegar for its bold flavor, so substituting may change the taste significantly.
Do I need to grease the tin foil?
No, the butter melted in the pan will prevent the nuts from sticking to the foil.
What is the texture of the candied nuts?
They have a crunchy, sugary exterior with a rich, buttery finish.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
While the recipe focuses on greens, cranberries, and nuts, you could easily add cucumber or red onion for extra crunch.
Is the dressing sweet or savory?
It is a balance of both, containing 3/4 cup of sugar for sweetness and garlic and vinegar for a savory, tangy kick.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While specific serving counts aren't listed, the large quantity of nuts and dressing makes it suitable for a large family gathering or multiple meals.