Winter Greens and Walnut Salad
Celebrate the vibrant, earthy flavors of the season with this Winter Greens and Walnut Salad, a perfect harmony of nutrient-packed mixed greens like kale, arugula, and spinach, paired with the sweet-tart zest of dried cranberries and juicy orange segments. Toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while a homemade orange vinaigrette—crafted with freshly squeezed orange juice, Dijon mustard, and honey—ties everything together with a bright, citrusy finish. Optional crumbled goat cheese lends a creamy, tangy touch to this quick and easy 20-minute recipe that's ideal as a wholesome starter or a light, refreshing main dish. Perfect for winter gatherings or healthy weeknight meals, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce at its best.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups Mixed winter greens (kale, arugula, and spinach)
- 1 cup Walnuts
- 1 cup Dried cranberries
- 1 piece Orange
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Goat cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Rinse the mixed winter greens thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry or use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Place the greens in a large salad bowl.
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast them for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Peel the orange and segment it by slicing between the membranes. Collect the juice from the leftover orange pulp in a small bowl; you should have about 2 tablespoons of juice.
To prepare the orange vinaigrette, whisk together the reserved orange juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined and emulsified.
Toss the winter greens with the dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, orange segments, and the prepared vinaigrette. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.
Top the salad with crumbled goat cheese if desired for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, seasonal flavors of this Winter Greens and Walnut Salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2129 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 148.1 g | 190% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.0 g | 155% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 60.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 64 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 2010 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 164.8 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.8 g | 89% | |
| Total Sugars | 127.3 g | ||
| Protein | 45.0 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 558 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 10.5 mg | 58% | |
| Potassium | 1533 mg | 33% | |
*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.
