Fruited Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing 🥗

Introduction:

I’m thrilled to share this delightful recipe for Fruited Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing, which has been a hit among my friends and family, thanks to its refreshing flavors and vibrant combination of ingredients. Bursting with the goodness of cranberries, apples, pears, and cashews, this salad is a celebration of fruits and greens, perfectly complemented by the irresistible Poppy Seed Dressing. It’s a recipe that brings a burst of freshness to any mealtime, whether it’s a quick weekday lunch or a festive gathering. So let’s dive into the details and whip up this culinary delight together!

Ingredients:

2 cups of lettuce
4 oz of mozzarella cheese
1 oz of parmesan cheese
1/2 cup of cashews
3 tbsp of dried cranberries
2 gala apples
1 pear
1/2 cup of sugar
1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp of salt
2/3 tsp of Dijon mustard
2 tsp of poppy seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare Salad Ingredients:

Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the lettuce leaves, then tear them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
Next, dice the mozzarella and parmesan cheese into small cubes and add them to the bowl.
Roughly chop the cashews and sprinkle them over the salad ingredients.
Scatter the dried cranberries evenly across the salad mixture.
Slice the gala apples and pear into thin slices, removing the core and seeds, and add them to the bowl.

2. Make the Poppy Seed Dressing:

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sugar, fresh lemon juice, salt, and Dijon mustard.
Stir the ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved completely, and the mixture is well combined.

3. Add Poppy Seeds:

Once the dressing base is ready, sprinkle in the poppy seeds and give it a good stir, ensuring that the seeds are evenly distributed throughout the dressing.

4. Toss with Dressing:

Drizzle the Poppy Seed Dressing over the salad mixture according to your taste preferences. You can start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Using salad tongs or clean hands, gently toss the salad, ensuring that each ingredient is coated with the flavorful dressing.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer the dressed salad to individual serving plates or bowls, ensuring that each portion receives an equal amount of the delicious fruits, nuts, and greens.
Garnish with additional poppy seeds or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Serve immediately and savor the refreshing flavors of this Fruited Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 875.3
Fat Content: 61.7g
Saturated Fat Content: 13.8g
Cholesterol Content: 26.1mg
Sodium Content: 645.5mg
Carbohydrate Content: 73.8g
Fiber Content: 9.3g
Sugar Content: 48.7g
Protein Content: 16.5g

Tips and Variations:

For added crunch, you can toast the cashews lightly before adding them to the salad.
Feel free to customize the fruits in this salad based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Sliced strawberries, mandarin oranges, or grapes would make delicious additions.
To make this salad ahead of time, prepare the dressing and salad ingredients separately, then combine just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can adjust the amount of sugar or add a drizzle of honey to the dressing mixture.
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

With its vibrant colors, crisp textures, and irresistible flavors, this Fruited Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option, a crowd-pleasing side dish, or a refreshing salad to accompany your main course, this recipe has got you covered. So gather your ingredients, whip up a batch of the delicious Poppy Seed Dressing, and treat yourself to a taste of culinary delight with this sensational salad creation!