Are you ready to transform your ordinary salad into a gourmet masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance? This isn't just another boring green salad – it's a culinary adventure that combines tangy cranberries, sweet orange segments, and a luxurious honey mustard champagne vinaigrette that will elevate your dining experience from mundane to magnificent! Imagine a dish that's not only incredibly delicious but also takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it the perfect solution for busy food lovers who refuse to compromise on taste.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey mustard
- 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the fresh cranberries by rinsing them and patting them dry. If desired, roughly chop some cranberries to release their tart flavor.
- Carefully segment the orange by cutting away the membrane and removing individual orange segments. Set aside.
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor and provide a nice crunch.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey mustard, champagne vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- In a large salad bowl, gently toss the mixed greens to create a light, airy base for the salad.
- Arrange the orange segments and fresh cranberries evenly over the mixed greens.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts across the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle the honey mustard champagne vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors of this salad.
Tips
- Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest ingredients possible. Look for crisp mixed greens and plump, vibrant cranberries to ensure maximum flavor.
- Toasting Technique: When toasting walnuts, watch them carefully and stir constantly. They can burn quickly, and burnt nuts can ruin the entire salad's flavor profile.
- Dressing Application: Dress the salad just before serving to maintain the perfect texture of the greens. Adding dressing too early can make the salad soggy and wilted.
- Segment Like a Pro: When removing orange segments, use a sharp knife and work over a bowl to catch any delicious juices that can be incorporated into the dressing.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like goat cheese, grilled chicken, or swap walnuts for almonds to make the recipe your own.
- Vinaigrette Tip: Whisk the dressing thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the flavors are perfectly balanced.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
