Zesty Winter Fruit Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
This vibrant winter fruit salad brings together the crispness of fresh produce and the crunchy goodness of cashews, all beautifully adorned with a creamy poppy seed dressing that has a delightful lemony zing. Originating from a cherished gathering at a friend's home, this recipe has become a crowd favorite. The combination of sweet apples and pears with crunchy nuts and the creamy richness of Swiss cheese offers an array of textures and tastes. Perfect as a festive side dish or a stand-alone light meal, it’s guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe!
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
White Sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Lemon Juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
Diced Onions
2 teaspoons (finely diced)
Dijon Mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Vegetable Oil
2/3 cup (none)
Poppy Seeds
1 tablespoon (none)
Romaine Lettuce
1 head (rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces)
Shredded Swiss Cheese
4 ounces (none)
Cashews
1 cup (whole)
Dried Cranberries
1/4 cup (none)
Apple
1 (peeled, cored, and cubed)
Pear
1 (cubed)
Instructions
1
In a blender or food processor, combine the 1/2 cup of white sugar, 1/2 cup of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of diced onions, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Blend until all the ingredients are smooth and well combined.
2
While the machine is still running, slowly drizzle in 2/3 cup of vegetable oil. Continue blending until the dressing thickens and becomes creamy.
3
Add the 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds and pulse the mixture a few times to incorporate the seeds without over-blending.
4
In a large serving bowl, combine 1 head of rinsed and torn romaine lettuce, 4 ounces of shredded Swiss cheese, 1 cup of cashews, 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, 1 peeled and cubed apple, and 1 cubed pear.
5
Gently toss the salad ingredients together to ensure an even mix.
6
Just before serving, drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
18.33g
Carbs
2.08g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Winter Fruit Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing?
It is a vibrant winter salad that combines fresh apples, pears, romaine lettuce, Swiss cheese, and cashews with a tangy lemon-poppy seed dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing is made from white sugar, lemon juice, diced onions, Dijon mustard, salt, vegetable oil, and poppy seeds.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 175 calories.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of shredded Swiss cheese.
Which nuts are included in the salad?
This salad uses 1 cup of whole cashews for crunch.
What fruits are featured in this winter salad?
The salad includes one peeled and cubed apple and one cubed pear.
How do I prepare the poppy seed dressing?
Blend sugar, lemon juice, onions, mustard, and salt until smooth; slowly drizzle in oil while blending, then pulse in the poppy seeds.
What kind of lettuce is recommended?
One head of rinsed and torn romaine lettuce is used as the base.
Does this salad contain dried fruit?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of dried cranberries.
Is the lemon juice for the dressing fresh?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The salad contains 18.33 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
It provides approximately 2.08 grams of protein per serving.
Can I make the dressing in a food processor?
Yes, you can use either a blender or a food processor to combine the dressing ingredients.
When should I add the dressing to the salad?
You should drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to ensure the best texture.
What gives the dressing its zing?
The combination of fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard provides the delightful lemony zing.
Are the onions in the dressing cooked?
No, the recipe uses 2 teaspoons of finely diced raw onions blended into the dressing.
How do I incorporate the poppy seeds without over-blending?
Add the poppy seeds after the dressing has thickened and pulse the mixture only a few times.
Is this salad suitable for a holiday meal?
Yes, its festive appearance and vibrant flavors make it a perfect holiday side dish.
Should the apples and pears be peeled?
The recipe recommends peeling the apple, but the pear is simply cubed.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad offers a variety of textures including crisp lettuce, crunchy cashews, and creamy cheese.
Can I use a different oil for the dressing?
While the recipe specifies vegetable oil, other neutral-flavored oils can typically be used as a substitute.
What is the origin of this recipe?
The description mentions it originated from a cherished gathering at a friend's home.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, the dressing includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How do I prepare the lettuce?
The romaine lettuce should be rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces.
Does the dressing contain any mustard?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It can be served as a festive side dish or as a stand-alone light meal.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy salad recipe that is a crowd favorite.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It is a balance of sweet fruit, savory cheese, and a zesty, creamy dressing.