Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with the Dining with Doc Cranberry Pine Nut Salad - a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that transforms ordinary greens into an extraordinary meal! Imagine a perfect harmony of sweet cranberries, crunchy toasted pine nuts, and creamy feta cheese, all elegantly dressed in a tantalizing balsamic vinaigrette. This isn't just a salad; it's a gourmet experience that will elevate your dining table and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for the salad: 4 cups of mixed greens, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of mixed greens. You can use a variety of greens such as spinach, arugula, and romaine for added texture and flavor.
- Add the 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the bowl with the mixed greens. The cranberries will add a sweet and tart flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Next, sprinkle in the 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts. To toast the pine nuts, you can place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once the pine nuts are toasted, add them to the salad mixture along with the 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. The feta will add a creamy, salty element to the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. This will be your dressing. Adjust the proportions of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to your taste if desired.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Use just enough to lightly coat the greens without making the salad soggy.
- Gently toss the salad with tongs or salad servers until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each, and adjust according to your preference.
- Once everything is mixed, serve the salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. Enjoy your Dining with Doc Cranberry Pine Nut Salad!
Tips
- Toast pine nuts carefully - they burn quickly! Keep them moving in the skillet and watch for a golden color.
- Use fresh, crisp mixed greens for the best texture and flavor.
- Make the dressing separately and adjust to taste before adding to the salad.
- Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the greens from becoming wilted.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or mint.
- If you're preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness.
- Experiment with different types of cheese like goat cheese for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
