Harvest Salad

Harvest Salad Recipe - A Liberian Delicacy

Region / culture: Liberia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Harvest Salad is a delicious and nutritious salad that combines the flavors of fresh spinach, sweet cranberries, tangy blue cheese, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and zesty red onion. The dressing, made with red raspberry jam, red wine vinegar, and walnut oil, adds a sweet and tangy finish to this vibrant salad.

History

The Harvest Salad recipe is inspired by the abundance of fresh produce available during the fall harvest season. It is a celebration of the flavors and colors of autumn, with ingredients that are both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients

1 bunch spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces
0.5 cup dried cranberries
0.5 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
0.5 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp red raspberry jam (with seeds)
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
0.33 cup walnut oil
freshly ground black pepper to taste
salt to taste

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cranberries, blue cheese, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the jam, vinegar, walnut oil, pepper, and salt.
Taste and adjust the amounts according to your preference. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

Variations

Substitute the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Add roasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and protein.
Use a different type of jam, such as apricot or fig, for a unique twist on the dressing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

- Tear the spinach into bite-size pieces to make it easier to eat.

- Adjust the amount of dressing to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to add other ingredients such as grilled chicken or roasted nuts for added protein and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Harvest Salad as a light and refreshing main dish or as a side salad to accompany a hearty meal. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Toss the salad gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

- Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use baby spinach or mixed greens instead of regular spinach.

- Replace the cranberries with dried cherries or raisins.

- Swap the avocado for diced apples or pears.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator.

- Mix the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Harvest Salad in a large salad bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Harvest Salad with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

- Serve with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious dressing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Do not freeze the salad as the ingredients may become mushy when thawed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 320

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 23g

Fats

Total Fat: 21g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Proteins

Protein: 6g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 45%

Vitamin C: 30%

Calcium: 15%

Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Tree Nuts

Summary

The Harvest Salad is a nutrient-rich dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Summary

The Harvest Salad is a delightful combination of fresh and flavorful ingredients that come together to create a delicious and nutritious dish. With a balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Harvest Salad. It was a crisp autumn day, and the leaves were turning vibrant shades of red and orange. As I rummaged through my old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded index card with the words "Harvest Salad" scrawled across the top in elegant script.

I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from, but something about it intrigued me. The combination of fresh greens, roasted vegetables, and tangy vinaigrette sounded like the perfect dish to usher in the fall season. So, I set out to recreate it in my own kitchen.

I gathered the ingredients - a mix of hearty greens, colorful root vegetables, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried fruits. As I chopped and roasted and tossed, the kitchen filled with the warm, inviting scents of autumn. The earthy aroma of roasted squash, the sharp tang of balsamic vinegar, the sweet fragrance of cranberries - it was a symphony of flavors and textures that danced together on my taste buds.

As I took my first bite of the finished salad, I was transported back to a time long ago. I remembered my own grandmother, a master in the kitchen, teaching me the art of cooking. She had passed down her recipes to me, just as I now pass them down to my own grandchildren.

I realized that this recipe for Harvest Salad was more than just a dish - it was a connection to my past, a link to the generations of women who came before me. It was a reminder of the joy and love that can be found in the simple act of preparing a meal for those you care about.

And so, I continued to make the Harvest Salad, each time adding my own twist or variation. Sometimes I would swap out the roasted butternut squash for sweet potatoes, or add a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. Each time I made it, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction in carrying on the tradition of good food and family togetherness.

As the years passed, the recipe for Harvest Salad became a staple in our family gatherings. It was requested at every holiday meal, every birthday celebration, every Sunday dinner. And each time I made it, I would think back to that crisp autumn day when I first discovered the recipe, and the sense of wonder and excitement that it had sparked in me.

Now, as I sit here writing this, surrounded by my loved ones and the familiar scents of my kitchen, I am grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It may have been a simple salad, but it has brought me so much joy and connection over the years.

And as I pass the recipe down to my grandchildren, I hope that they too will feel that same sense of curiosity and wonder that I did when I first found it. I hope that they will continue to cherish and share the tradition of good food and family togetherness for generations to come.