Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette

Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for any meal. The combination of mixed salad greens, red onion, dried cranberries, walnuts, and blue cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The origins of the Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette recipe are not clear, but salads have been a popular dish for centuries. The combination of fresh greens, nuts, fruits, and cheese has been enjoyed by people all around the world for its delicious and healthy qualities.

Ingredients

5 cups mixed salad greens
0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced into half-circles
0.33 cup dried cranberries
0.25 cup walnut halves
0.33 cup crumbled blue cheese

Dressing

2 tsp balsamic or red wine vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp cranberry juice
0.5 tsp sugar
0.5 tsp dijon mustard
0.25 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground pepper

How to prepare

Wash the lettuce and dry it thoroughly using a salad spinner or by wrapping it in a towel.
Refrigerate the lettuce until you are ready to toss the salad.
In a glass measuring cup, whisk the dressing until it becomes smooth.
Combine the lettuce, onion, cranberries, and nuts together in a bowl.
Place the salad onto individual salad plates and sprinkle a small amount of crumbled cheese on top.

Variations

Substitute the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Add sliced apples or pears for a touch of sweetness.
Use different nuts such as pecans or almonds for a variation in texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the lettuce to ensure that it is clean and crisp.

- Refrigerate the lettuce until you are ready to toss the salad to keep it fresh.

- Whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth for a well-blended flavor.

- Toss the salad ingredients together gently to evenly distribute the flavors.

- Sprinkle the crumbled cheese on top of the salad just before serving for a finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a salad spinner to dry the lettuce quickly and efficiently.

- Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a glass measuring cup for easy pouring.

- Toss the salad ingredients gently to avoid crushing the delicate greens.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red wine vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar for a tangier flavor.

- Replace cranberry juice with orange juice for a different fruity twist.

- Swap out the walnuts for almonds or pecans for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and salad ingredients ahead of time and toss them together just before serving to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad on individual plates and sprinkle the crumbled cheese on top for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette with a crisp white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not reheat the salad as the greens will wilt.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of the Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

The salad has about 15 grams of fat per serving, mainly from the olive oil, nuts, and cheese.

Proteins

Each serving of the salad provides around 7 grams of protein, which comes from the nuts and cheese.

Vitamins and minerals

The salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium from the greens and cranberries.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and dairy (cheese), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, the Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a mix of fresh greens, dried cranberries, walnuts, and blue cheese, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy the refreshing flavors and satisfying crunch of this delightful salad!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette. It was a warm summer day and I was at a friend's house for a potluck dinner. As I walked into the kitchen, I saw her effortlessly tossing together a bowl full of vibrant greens, colorful vegetables, and a delicious looking vinaigrette.

I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. She told me that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn this delicious recipe and add it to my own collection.

The first time I made the Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette, it was a hit with my family. The crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy vinaigrette all came together perfectly to create a refreshing and satisfying dish. From that moment on, it became a staple at our family gatherings and dinners.

The recipe itself was quite simple, but the flavors were anything but. The vinaigrette was a combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a touch of honey for sweetness. It was the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, and it complemented the fresh vegetables perfectly.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the recipe to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I like to add a sprinkle of feta cheese or some toasted nuts for extra crunch. Other times, I will throw in some fresh herbs from my garden to add a burst of flavor.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it is so versatile. I can easily swap out the vegetables depending on what is in season or what I have on hand. Radishes, bell peppers, avocado, or even fruits like strawberries or oranges can all be added to create a unique and delicious salad.

As I continued to make this recipe over the years, I began to think about all the different people and places that had influenced my cooking. From my friend's grandmother to the farmers at the local market where I bought my fresh produce, each person had played a role in shaping my culinary skills.

I realized that cooking was not just about following a recipe, but about connecting with others and learning from their experiences. Every time I made the Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette, I felt a sense of gratitude for all the people who had shared their knowledge and passion for food with me.

In a way, this recipe became a symbol of the connections I had made through food. It was a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that cooking brought me, and the memories that were created around the dinner table with family and friends.

As I look back on my journey with this recipe, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. It has become more than just a dish on my table – it is a representation of the love and care that goes into every meal I make.

And so, every time I make the Green Salad with Yummy Vinaigrette, I am reminded of the wonderful people and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And for that, I am eternally grateful.