🍂🥗🍁🍇 Here’s a delightful Autumn Bitter/Sweet Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette for you! This seasonal salad combines various flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for fall. 😊
History: The autumn salad is a modern creation that reflects the seasonal ingredients and flavors of the fall. It brings together the bittersweet taste of arugula, the crunch of apples and nuts, and the tangy sweetness of cranberry vinaigrette to create a harmonious and colorful dish.
Components:
- Arugula: This leafy green adds a pleasant bitterness to the salad.
- Apples: Thinly sliced apples, preferably crisp and slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith, provide a sweet and crunchy element.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts add a rich, earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Dried Cranberries: These sweet and chewy morsels contrast with the bitterness of the arugula.
- Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy goat cheese crumbles are a perfect complement to the other ingredients.
Cranberry Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps to Prepare:
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Begin by toasting the pecans or walnuts. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the nuts, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Remove them from the heat and let them cool.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This is your cranberry vinaigrette.
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Wash and dry the arugula, and place it in a large salad bowl.
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Thinly slice the apples and add them to the arugula.
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Add the toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and goat cheese crumbles to the salad.
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Drizzle the cranberry vinaigrette over the salad, starting with a few tablespoons and adding more to your taste. Toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients with the vinaigrette.
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Serve your Autumn Bitter/Sweet Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette immediately, garnishing with additional goat cheese and nuts if desired.
Preparation Time: You can prepare this salad in approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on your cooking experience and how quickly you can slice the apples and assemble the ingredients.
Enjoy this delightful autumn salad that perfectly balances the bitterness of arugula with the sweetness of apples, cranberries, and vinaigrette. 🍂🥗🍁🍇😋
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the Autumn Bitter/Sweet Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for One Serving):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Total Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 3-5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5-10mg
- Sodium: 100-150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4-6g
- Sugars: 16-20g
- Protein: 6-8g
- Vitamin A: 25-30% of Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 15-20% of DV
- Calcium: 8-10% of DV
- Iron: 6-8% of DV
Health Information:
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Low in Calories: This salad is relatively low in calories, making it a healthy option for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
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Rich in Fiber: The arugula, apples, and dried cranberries provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which can promote digestive health and help you feel fuller for longer.
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Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals: The salad contains significant amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C, which are essential for maintaining good vision, immune function, and overall health.
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Healthy Fats: Nuts are a source of healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are heart-healthy and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
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Moderate Protein: While not a high-protein dish, the salad contains a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
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Antioxidant-Rich: The cranberries are packed with antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
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Low in Sodium: The salad is relatively low in sodium, which is beneficial for individuals monitoring their sodium intake, especially those with high blood pressure.
It’s important to note that the specific nutritional content may vary based on the exact quantities and brands of ingredients used and the portion size. Be mindful of the portion size and the amount of dressing you use, as that can significantly impact the nutritional profile of the salad.
