Brighten up your table with this vibrant Garden Salad with Cranberries, Pine Nuts, and Bacon—a perfect blend of crisp textures and bold flavors! Featuring a medley of fresh mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and refreshing cucumber slices, this salad receives a delightful sweetness from dried cranberries and a satisfying crunch from toasted pine nuts. Crispy, smoky crumbled bacon elevates every bite, while a tangy homemade balsamic-honey vinaigrette ties it all together. Ready in just 25 minutes and ideal for any occasion, this salad is equally perfect as a light lunch, an impressive dinner starter, or a refreshing side dish. Packed with nutrients and flavor, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking a balance of wholesome and indulgent ingredients!
Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Toast the pine nuts: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the pine nuts. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, dried cranberries, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion. Gently toss to combine.
Add the toppings: Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and crumbled bacon over the top of the salad.
Drizzle the dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Serve: Divide the salad among individual plates or serve it directly from the bowl. Enjoy immediately!
Calories |
268 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.4 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g | 13% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 9 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 313 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.6 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.5 g | ||
| Protein | 6.2 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 58 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 546 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.