Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of cucumber, diced
- 1 cup of cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup of roasted cashews
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Salad tongs
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, cooked quinoa, roasted cashews, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh mint.
2. Toss the ingredients together using salad tongs until everything is evenly mixed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is coated in the dressing.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cashews and fresh herbs if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 250
- Total fat: 12g
- Total carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Lettuce: spinach or arugula
- Cherry tomatoes: grape tomatoes or diced roma tomatoes
- Cucumber: zucchini or yellow squash
- Quinoa: brown rice or couscous
- Cashews: almonds or walnuts
- Dried cranberries: raisins or chopped dates
- Feta cheese: goat cheese or blue cheese
- Parsley: cilantro or basil
- Mint: thyme or oregano
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost
- Swap out the quinoa for cooked farro or barley
- Use pomegranate seeds instead of dried cranberries for a pop of color and flavor
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- Toast the cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Use a high-quality olive oil for the dressing for the best flavor.
- If making ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- N/A
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large salad bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with additional cashews and fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Additional cashews and fresh herbs
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Soup or stew
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salad seems dry, add a little more dressing and toss again.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash all produce thoroughly before using.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and discard after 3 days.
Food history:
- N/A
Flavor profiles:
- This salad is a combination of fresh, crunchy, and nutty flavors with a tangy and slightly sweet dressing.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish to a larger meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Citrusy, Sweet, Tangy, Refreshing