Candied Walnut Butter Salad

Candied Walnut Butter Salad Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Candied Walnut Butter Salad is a delightful and refreshing salad that combines the crunch of candied walnuts with the sweetness of mandarin oranges and the crispness of butter lettuce. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party.

History

The combination of candied walnuts and butter lettuce in a salad has been a popular choice for many years. The addition of mandarin oranges and a zesty ginger dressing adds a unique twist to this classic salad, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

non-stick vegetable cooking spray (PAM)
4 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp orange tangerine juice (Minute Maid)
1 cup walnut halves
0.25 tbsp ground cinnamon

Salad

2 heads butter lettuce, washed and drained
1 can mandarin orange segments, drained (8 oz (227 g))
0.25 red onion, very thinly sliced
0.5 cup purchased Asian-style salad dressing, such as miso dressing or ginger dressing

How to prepare

Candied walnuts

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Line a large cookie sheet with foil and spray it with Pam.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 3 tbsp of sugar and the orange tangerine juice.
Bring it to a simmer, then add the walnuts.
Cook until the sugar is absorbed and the mixture starts to caramelize around the walnuts.
Stir constantly for about 2 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and the remaining 1 tbsp of sugar.
Toss the walnuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place the walnuts in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet.
Bake until the walnuts appear crystallized and toasted, about 8 minutes.
Set them aside.

Salad

Arrange 4 to 6 lettuce leaves on each plate.
Randomly place orange segments, onion slices, and walnuts on top of each lettuce bed.
Drizzle 2 tbsp of dressing on top of each salad and serve.

Variations

Substitute pecans or almonds for the walnuts.
Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy texture.
Use a different type of lettuce, such as arugula or spinach.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to constantly stir the walnuts while cooking in the sugar and juice mixture to prevent burning.

- Make sure to line the cookie sheet with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the walnuts from sticking.

- Keep a close eye on the walnuts while baking to prevent them from burning.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to constantly stir the walnuts while cooking in the sugar and juice mixture to prevent burning.

- Bake the walnuts until they appear crystallized and toasted for the perfect crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different flavor.

- Substitute orange juice for the tangerine juice for a citrusy twist.

Make Ahead Tips

The candied walnuts can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. The salad can be assembled right before serving to maintain its freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp. It also goes well with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The candied walnuts can be stored separately and added to the salad before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 18g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Iron: 6% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains walnuts

Summary

This salad is a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. It is also rich in Vitamin C and iron, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Candied Walnut Butter Salad is a delicious and nutritious salad that is perfect for any occasion. With its crunchy walnuts, sweet mandarin oranges, and zesty ginger dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Clara. She had just returned from a trip to France and was raving about the delicious salads she had tried while she was there. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on tea and catching up on each other's lives, she suddenly jumped up and exclaimed, "I have the perfect recipe for you to try!"

She rummaged through her collection of cookbooks and pulled out a worn and weathered book that looked like it had seen better days. Flipping through the pages with excitement, she stopped at a recipe for Candied Walnut Butter Salad. The description alone made my mouth water - a mix of fresh greens, juicy pears, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy candied walnuts, all tossed together with a homemade walnut butter dressing. It sounded like a dream come true.

Clara explained that she had tried this salad at a quaint little bistro in Paris and had fallen in love with it instantly. She had begged the chef for the recipe, and he had graciously shared it with her. Now, she wanted to pass it on to me, knowing how much I loved experimenting in the kitchen.

I eagerly copied down the recipe, my hands shaking with excitement. As Clara packed me off with a bag of fresh produce and a jar of her homemade walnut butter, she winked and said, "Make sure to invite me over when you make it. I want to taste the magic for myself!"

I headed home, my mind filled with thoughts of the delicious salad I was about to create. I spent the afternoon chopping vegetables, toasting walnuts, and whipping up the walnut butter dressing. The kitchen was filled with the heavenly scent of roasted nuts and sweet caramelized sugar. When I finally tossed everything together and took my first bite, I was transported to Paris - the flavors were exquisite, the textures divine.

From that day on, Candied Walnut Butter Salad became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for every special occasion, every family gathering, every dinner party. And with each batch I made, I added my own twist, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all fell in love with it just as I had. They would often ask me where I had learned to make such a unique and delicious salad, and I would smile and tell them about Clara and her trip to France.

As time went on, I started to experiment with different variations of the salad. I added fresh herbs, dried fruits, and different kinds of cheese. I even tried swapping out the walnuts for pecans or almonds. Each new version brought its own unique flavor profile, but the original recipe remained a timeless classic in my repertoire.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit me, her eyes wide with curiosity as she watched me prepare the salad. She asked me where I had learned to make it, and I sat her down and told her the story of Clara and the bistro in Paris. She listened intently, hanging on to every word, and then asked if she could learn how to make it too.

I smiled and nodded, handing her a copy of the recipe. As she set to work in the kitchen, following the steps with precision and care, I could see the same passion and love for cooking that I had always felt. And when we sat down to eat the salad together, her face lit up with joy as she took her first bite.

As I watched my granddaughter savoring the flavors of the Candied Walnut Butter Salad, I knew that the recipe had found a new home in her heart. And I knew that it would continue to be passed down through the generations, a culinary legacy that would never be forgotten.

And so, as I sit here reminiscing about the first time I saw that recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the friends who have inspired me, the places that have enriched my culinary journey, and the joy that cooking has brought into my life. The Candied Walnut Butter Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the magic that happens when good food and good company come together.