Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary adventure that dances on your taste buds! The Wine Cherry Nut Salad is a vibrant, refreshing masterpiece that transforms ordinary greens into an extraordinary gastronomic journey. With a perfect balance of sweet cherries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and tangy feta, this recipe promises to elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red wine vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water. Gently pat dry using clean paper towels or a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Pit and halve the fresh cherries using a cherry pitter or a small knife. If using a knife, carefully cut around the pit and twist the cherry halves apart.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat when they become fragrant and have a light golden color.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base layer, creating an even and appealing foundation for the salad.
- Sprinkle the halved cherries evenly across the greens, distributing them for balanced flavor in each serving.
- Add the toasted walnuts over the cherries, ensuring they are scattered throughout the salad.
- Crumble the feta cheese on top of the salad, allowing it to add a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
- Drizzle the red wine vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring even coverage. Use a light hand to prevent overdressing.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, gently tossing the salad to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp greens, fresh cherries, and crunchy toasted walnuts at their peak freshness.
Tips
- Choose the freshest ingredients possible - ripe cherries and crisp mixed greens are key to an outstanding salad.
- Toast walnuts carefully; they can burn quickly, so keep a close eye and stir frequently.
- Use a cherry pitter for quick and clean cherry preparation, or a sharp knife if you don't have one.
- Dress the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a few fresh herbs like mint or basil as a garnish.
- If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, you can lightly warm the walnuts and cherries before adding them to the greens.
- Experiment with different types of nuts or cheese to personalize your salad experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
