Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a salad that's anything but ordinary! Our Macadamia Nut and Goat Cheese Salad is a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine crisp, fresh greens dancing with crunchy toasted macadamia nuts, creamy goat cheese, and a burst of sweet dried cranberries - all brought together by a sophisticated balsamic vinaigrette that will make your palate sing with joy!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad greens by washing them thoroughly under cold running water. Gently pat dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Toast the chopped macadamia nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
- Thinly slice the red onion into delicate, translucent rings using a sharp knife.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base layer, creating an even foundation for the other ingredients.
- Sprinkle the toasted macadamia nuts, crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries, and sliced red onion evenly over the greens.
- Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, ensuring a light and even distribution.
- Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients and coat with dressing. Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the greens.
Tips
- Toast the macadamia nuts carefully - the key is constant stirring to achieve a golden color without burning. Watch them like a hawk and remove from heat the moment they turn light golden brown.
- For maximum flavor, let the macadamia nuts cool slightly before adding them to the salad. This helps preserve their delicate crunch and prevents wilting the greens.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The simplicity of this salad means each component needs to shine - opt for fresh mixed greens, premium goat cheese, and whole macadamia nuts.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent them from becoming soggy. Add the vinaigrette sparingly and toss gently to ensure even coating.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or thyme, or experiment with different types of goat cheese for unique variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
