Pin It A vibrant, festive salad featuring colorful vegetable ribbons, crunchy pistachios, and sweet-tart cranberries, layered for an impressive presentation and delightful textures.
This salad has become a favorite at family gatherings because of its fresh flavors and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 2 medium carrots peeled, 1 medium cucumber ends trimmed, 1 medium zucchini ends trimmed, 1 small yellow squash ends trimmed, 1 cup baby spinach leaves washed and dried
- Dressing: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Toppings: 1/3 cup shelled pistachios roughly chopped, 1/3 cup dried cranberries, 2 oz (about 60 g) crumbled feta cheese optional, 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves finely sliced
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline slice carrots cucumber zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise into thin ribbons.
- Step 2:
- Layer the vegetable ribbons and baby spinach attractively in a wide clear serving bowl or on a platter alternating colors for a ribbon effect.
- Step 3:
- In a small bowl whisk together olive oil lemon juice honey Dijon mustard salt and pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4:
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the layered vegetables.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios dried cranberries feta cheese (if using) and mint over the salad.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Pin It This salad brings everyone to the table and sparks lively conversation around healthy and tasty eating.
Required Tools
Vegetable peeler or mandoline, sharp knife, cutting board, small mixing bowl, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (pistachios) and dairy (feta cheese optional). Ensure nuts and cheese are processed in allergen-safe facilities if required.
Nutritional Information
Per serving with feta: Calories 240, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 22 g, Protein 6 g
Pin It Enjoy this vibrant salad as a refreshing side or a light main course that delights both the eye and the palate.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How should the vegetables be prepared for layering?
Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to slice carrots, cucumber, zucchini, and yellow squash into thin, lengthwise ribbons for a visually appealing layered effect.
- → What dressing complements the layered vegetables?
A mixture of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper creates a light, tangy dressing that enhances the fresh flavors.
- → Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes, simply omit the optional feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → What toppings add texture and flavor?
Crunchy chopped pistachios and sweet-tart dried cranberries provide contrasting textures and flavors, while fresh mint adds a refreshing finish.
- → How can this salad be served for best texture?
Serve immediately after dressing and topping to maintain the crispness of the vegetable ribbons and the crunch of the nuts.