Name: Mixed Greens with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 cup Walnuts; 1 cup pecan halves; 1 large shallot; ¼ cup sherry vinegar; 1 tbsp dijon mustard; 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; ¼ cup walnut oil; salt and freshly ground pepper; 5 oz salad greens; 1 cup dried pears; 1 cup dried cranberries

This mixed greens salad combines the fresh crunch of salad greens with the unique texture and rich flavor of nuts and dried fruits. It is light yet fulfilling, making it a perfect addition to any meal or even as a meal on its own. The sherry vinegar adds a tangy kick which beautifully complements the sweetness of the dried pears and cranberries. The toasted nuts add a special crunch that takes this salad to another level.

Photos of Mixed Greens with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe

The ingredients for this salad are easily accessible, although you may have to look in the specialty aisle for the sherry vinegar and walnut oil. Also, dried pears are not as commonly used as other dried fruits, but they add a unique sweetness that pairs exceptionally well with the tartness of dried cranberries.

Mixed Greens Salad with Nuts and Dried Fruit Ingredients

Walnuts: Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and add a delicious crunch and slight bitterness to the salad.**

Pecan halves: Pecans have a rich, buttery flavor and are a great source of dietary fiber and healthy fats.**

Shallot: Shallots have a delicate and slightly sweet flavor, adding a subtle depth to the vinaigrette.**

Sherry vinegar: Sherry vinegar has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that gives the salad a bright kick.**

Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy and slight spicy flavor to the vinaigrette.**

Extra virgin olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used for its rich flavor in the vinaigrette.**

Walnut oil: Walnut oil has a rich, nutty flavor which enhances the flavor of the salad.**

Salad greens: These are the base of the salad, providing freshness and a satisfying crunch.**

Dried pears: Dried pears add a unique sweetness and chewy texture to the salad.**

Dried cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a beautiful color contrast and a tart flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

One reader, Blisse Applegate says:

This mixed greens salad with nuts and dried fruit recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crunchy nuts and sweet dried fruit adds a delightful contrast to the fresh greens. The dressing ties everything together perfectly. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's become a staple in my kitchen.

Blisse Applegate

Techniques Required for Crafting the Perfect Salad

How to toast nuts: Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden and fragrant. Let them cool, then coarsely chop.

How to make the vinaigrette: In a large bowl, combine the shallot, sherry vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk in the olive oil and walnut oil in a thin, steady stream until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.

How to toss the salad: Add the mixed greens, toasted nuts, and dried pears and cranberries to the bowl with the vinaigrette. Gently toss the salad until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

How to serve: Serve the mixed greens salad immediately and enjoy.

How To Make Mixed Greens with Nuts and Dried Fruit

Whip up this easy and refreshing mixed greens that’s made using pears, cranberries, and nuts tossed in a mustard-vinegar dressing for a nutty bite.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupwalnuts,(about 4 oz)
1cuppecan halves,(about 4 oz)
1large shallot,minced
¼cupsherry vinegar
1tbspdijon mustard
6tbspextra virgin olive oil
¼cupwalnut oil
salt and freshly ground pepper,to taste
5ozsalad greens,(4 bags), washed
1cupdried pears,(4 oz)
1cupdried cranberries,(4 oz)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the nuts on a large baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Let cool, then coarsely chop.
In a large bowl, combine the shallot, vinegar, and mustard. Whisk in the olive oil and walnut oil in a thin, steady stream. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the mixed greens, nuts, and dried pears, and cranberries to the bowl and toss.
Serve immediately and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 238.18kcal
Fat: 17.75g
Saturated Fat: 1.90g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9.43g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.64g
Carbohydrates: 21.63g
Fiber: 2.99g
Sugar: 16.86g
Protein: 1.49g
Sodium: 162.60mg
Calcium: 21.13mg
Potassium: 169.41mg
Iron: 0.85mg
Vitamin A: 44.08µg
Vitamin C: 2.79mg

Technique Tip for Elevating Your Mixed Greens Salad

When toasting nuts for your salad, keep a close eye on them as they can easily burn. The moment they become fragrant is usually a good indicator that they are done. Also, tossing your salad ingredients in the dressing before serving ensures every leaf is evenly coated, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing a Mixed Greens Salad

Prep ahead: Chop and store the nuts and dried fruit in advance to save time when assembling the salad.

Use pre-washed greens: Opt for pre-washed salad greens to eliminate the need for washing and drying, saving valuable time in the kitchen.

Multi-task: While the nuts are toasting in the oven, use that time to prepare the dressing and gather the other ingredients to streamline the process.

Invest in a good knife: A sharp, quality knife can significantly reduce prep time when chopping ingredients for the salad.

Organize your workspace: Before you start, make sure all your ingredients and tools are easily accessible, which can help save time and minimize stress during preparation.

Substitute Ingredients For Mixed Greens with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe

walnuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds have a similar texture and flavor to walnuts, and they will provide a delicious crunch to the salad.
pecan halves - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can be a great substitute for pecans as they have a buttery and rich flavor, adding a delightful contrast to the salad.
sherry vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for sherry vinegar to provide a similar tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard can replace Dijon mustard, adding a slightly different texture and a hint of spice to the dressing.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for extra virgin olive oil, providing a similar richness and a slightly nutty flavor to the dressing.
walnut oil - Substitute with hazelnut oil: Hazelnut oil can replace walnut oil, offering a similar nutty aroma and flavor to enhance the dressing.
salad greens - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can be used as a substitute for mixed greens, providing a slightly different texture and a nutrient-rich base for the salad.
dried pears - Substitute with dried apricots: Dried apricots can replace dried pears, offering a sweet and tangy flavor with a chewy texture to complement the salad.
dried cranberries - Substitute with golden raisins: Golden raisins can be used as a substitute for dried cranberries, providing a similar sweet and tart flavor to the salad.

Best Way to Present a Mixed Greens Salad

Artful arrangement: Carefully arrange the mixed greens, nuts, and dried fruit on the plate to create an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Pay attention to color contrast and balance to create a visually stunning dish.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the salad with delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies. This adds a pop of color and a subtle floral note to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Create a textural contrast by layering the nuts and dried fruit throughout the salad. This adds depth and interest to each bite, elevating the overall dining experience.
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction: Add a touch of sophistication by drizzling a balsamic reduction in a decorative pattern around the edge of the plate. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a professional touch to the presentation.
Use elegant serving ware: Choose elegant and refined serving ware to complement the dish. Opt for minimalist, high-quality plates and utensils to showcase the salad and elevate the dining experience for the guests.
Create height and dimension: Build the salad on the plate to create height and dimension, using the greens as a base and layering the nuts and dried fruit to add visual interest. This technique adds a professional touch to the presentation.
Consider the negative space: Pay attention to the negative space on the plate, ensuring that the arrangement of the salad allows the plate to shine through. This mindful approach to plating creates a sophisticated and polished presentation.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt: Just before serving, delicately sprinkle a pinch of high-quality sea salt over the salad. This final touch enhances the flavors and adds a subtle hint of sophistication to the dish.

Essential Tools for Making a Delightful Salad

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly chopping nuts or making salad dressings.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the salad dressing ingredients and tossing the salad greens with the nuts and dried fruit. It's a basic tool for any kitchen.

How To Store and Freeze Mixed Greens Salad

To store leftover mixed greens salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the salad greens may wilt and become soggy over time due to the dressing.
If you want to prepare the salad ahead of time, store the mixed greens, chopped nuts, and dried fruits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine them and add the dressing just before serving to maintain the freshness and crispness of the ingredients.
The vinaigrette dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good whisk or shake before using.
Unfortunately, this salad does not freeze well due to the delicate nature of the mixed greens and the dressing. Freezing will cause the greens to become limp and the dressing to separate upon thawing.
If you have any leftover chopped nuts or dried fruits, you can store them separately in airtight containers at room temperature for several weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. They can be used as toppings for future salads, yogurt, or oatmeal.

Random Fact About Mixed Greens Salads

The mixed greens salad with nuts and dried fruit is a great source of essential nutrients. The nuts provide healthy fats and protein, while the dried fruit adds natural sweetness and fiber. This combination makes for a delicious and nutritious salad that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal.

Is This Salad Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

This mixed greens salad with nuts and dried fruit recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as nuts, dried fruit, and salad greens, are generally affordable and can be purchased in bulk. The use of walnuts, pecans, dried pears, and dried cranberries adds a touch of elegance without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Is This Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

This mixed greens salad with nuts and dried fruit recipe is a nutritious and flavorful option, but it does have some areas for improvement. Here's a breakdown of the healthy and less healthy aspects:

Healthy components:

Mixed greens provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Walnuts and pecans offer heart-healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants
Shallots contain beneficial compounds like quercetin and allicin
Dijon mustard is low in calories and adds flavor without excessive salt or sugar

Less healthy components:

The recipe includes a significant amount of oil, which can contribute to high calorie content
Dried fruits, such as pears and cranberries, are concentrated sources of sugar

To enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of oil used in the dressing, or replace some of the oil with a lower-calorie alternative like lemon juice or vinegar
Incorporate a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to increase satiety and balance the macronutrient profile
Add a variety of fresh, colorful vegetables to the mixed greens, such as bell peppers, carrots, or cherry tomatoes, to boost the vitamin and mineral content
Opt for fresh fruit instead of dried fruit to reduce the sugar content, or use smaller amounts of dried fruit as a garnish rather than a main component
Toast the nuts lightly to enhance their flavor without the need for additional oil

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutrient-dense salad that still delivers on taste and satisfaction.

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Salad Recipe

This mixed greens salad with nuts and dried fruit recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The toasted walnuts and pecans add a satisfying crunch, while the dried pears and cranberries provide a sweet and tangy contrast. The sherry vinaigrette with a hint of mustard ties everything together beautifully. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a light lunch or a refreshing side. The balance of savory, sweet, and nutty elements makes this salad a standout choice for any occasion.

Enhance Your Mixed Greens with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the mixed greens salad.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest, a refreshing side dish to accompany the salad.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tangy carrots glazed with balsamic vinegar, adding a burst of flavor to your meal.

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash: Caramelized butternut squash drizzled with honey, a delightful and colorful addition to your dinner spread.

Other Alternative Salad Recipes to Try

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs before grilling for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Braised Beef Stew: Slow cook tender beef with carrots, potatoes, and onions in a rich broth for a comforting and hearty meal.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: Blend ripe mangoes with coconut milk and a touch of honey, then freeze in popsicle molds for a refreshing and tropical dessert.

Butternut Squash Soup: Roast butternut squash with onions and garlic, then blend with vegetable broth and warm spices for a creamy and comforting soup.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake: Combine creamy cheesecake filling with fresh blueberries and a zesty lemon crust for a delightful and indulgent dessert.

Suggested Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Your Mixed Greens Salad

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a mouthwatering appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Whip up a batch of crispy zucchini fritters for a light and tasty appetizer. Grated zucchini is mixed with herbs and spices, then fried until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of creamy dipping sauce for a delightful treat.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and a crunchy oat topping in this classic apple crisp. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.

Why trust this Mixed Greens with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of mixed greens, nuts, and dried fruit, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of walnuts and pecans adds a satisfying crunch, while the dried pears and cranberries contribute a sweet and tangy essence. The dressing, featuring sherry vinegar and walnut oil, enhances the overall taste, ensuring a harmonious blend. With a focus on quality ingredients and a meticulous preparation process, this recipe promises a delightful and nutritious salad experience.

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FAQ:

What type of nuts can I use in this salad?

You can use a variety of nuts in this salad, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Feel free to use your favorite or a combination for added flavor and texture.

Can I substitute the dried pears and cranberries with other fruits?

Absolutely! You can substitute the dried pears and cranberries with other dried fruits like apricots, figs, or even raisins. Get creative and use your preferred dried fruits to customize the salad to your taste.

Is there a substitute for sherry vinegar?

If you don't have sherry vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. The key is to use a vinegar with a slightly sweet and nuanced flavor to complement the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While it's best to dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp, you can prepare the nuts, dressing, and dried fruits ahead of time and assemble everything right before serving. This way, you can save time without compromising the salad's freshness.

What can I serve this salad with?

This mixed greens salad with nuts and dried fruit pairs well with a variety of dishes. It's a great accompaniment to grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a simple pasta dish. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a versatile side for many main courses.