Maple Cranberry Feta Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts
This vibrant Maple Cranberry Feta Salad combines crisp romaine and fresh spinach for a refreshing, nutrient-packed base. The addition of toasted pine nuts adds a delightful crunch, while the sweet and tangy dried cranberries deliver bursts of flavor. Crumbled feta cheese brings a creamy richness that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Topped off with a homemade dressing made from high-quality olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, and a hint of Dijon mustard, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, it's easily customizable with your choice of nuts and cheeses. Enjoy the fresh tastes of the season in every bite!
N/A
Servings
69
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
1 head (torn into bite-sized pieces)
Spinach
1 bunch (washed and dried)
Pine nuts
1/4 cup (lightly toasted and cooled)
Dried cranberries
1/4 cup (none)
Feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
Olive oil
1/3 cup (none)
Red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons (none)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
1. Rinse and dry the lettuce and spinach thoroughly. Tear the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
2
2. Add the fresh spinach to the bowl, ensuring even distribution.
3
3. In a small skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4
4. Add the toasted pine nuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese to the salad bowl with the greens.
5
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
6
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
7
7. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill slightly before serving if desired.
Nutrition Information
5.25g
Fat
4.75g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
0.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary greens used in the Maple Cranberry Feta Salad?
The salad uses a combination of crisp romaine lettuce and fresh spinach as the nutrient-packed base.
How should I prepare the pine nuts for this recipe?
Lightly toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown, then let them cool before adding to the salad.
What ingredients are in the homemade dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, red wine vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Is the Maple Cranberry Feta Salad healthy?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing, nutrient-packed salad with only 69 calories per serving and includes healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts.
Can I substitute the pine nuts with other nuts?
Yes, this salad is easily customizable, and you can use your choice of nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
What type of cheese is included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for crumbled feta cheese, which provides a creamy richness to the dish.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
There are approximately 69 calories per serving.
What gives the salad its sweet and tangy flavor?
The sweetness comes from dried cranberries and pure maple syrup, while the tanginess comes from red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard.
Is this salad suitable for a light lunch?
Absolutely, it is perfect as either a light lunch or a side dish for dinner.
How do I ensure the lettuce and spinach are ready for the salad?
You should rinse and dry the greens thoroughly and tear the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Yes, you can customize the salad with your choice of cheeses, such as goat cheese or gorgonzola.
What is the fat content of this salad?
The salad contains approximately 5.25g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in the Maple Cranberry Feta Salad?
Each serving contains about 1.5g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 4.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this salad provide?
The salad provides approximately 0.75g of fiber per serving.
What is the best way to mix the dressing?
Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a separate bowl until they are well combined and emulsified.
Should the salad be served immediately?
It is best served immediately for the freshest taste, though it can be chilled slightly if desired.
How do I prevent the pine nuts from burning?
Stir the pine nuts frequently while toasting them over medium heat and remove them as soon as they are golden brown.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried cranberries?
The recipe specifically calls for dried cranberries for concentrated bursts of flavor.
What type of mustard is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe recommends using 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
How much maple syrup is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup.
Is oregano used in this salad?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano is included in the dressing for seasoning.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for red wine vinegar.
Can I add pepper to this salad?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to the dressing to taste.
How much olive oil is required?
The dressing requires 1/3 cup of olive oil.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a salad, vegetable dish, and healthy side dish.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe requires 12 total ingredients, including the dressing components.
Can this salad be served at gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant colors and impressive flavor profile make it a great choice for family gatherings and friends.
How do I combine the dressing with the salad?
Pour the dressing over the greens and toppings and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
What size should the romaine lettuce be?
The romaine should be torn into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.