Pistachio Cranberry Layered Salad (Printable Version)

Colorful vegetables layered with crunchy pistachios and sweet cranberries for a fresh, textural dish.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium carrots, peeled
02 - 1 medium cucumber, ends trimmed
03 - 1 medium zucchini, ends trimmed
04 - 1 small yellow squash, ends trimmed
05 - 1 cup baby spinach leaves, washed and dried

→ Dressing

06 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Toppings

11 - 1/3 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
12 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries
13 - 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese (optional)
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely sliced

# Steps:

01 - Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, slice carrots, cucumber, zucchini, and yellow squash lengthwise into thin ribbons.
02 - Layer the vegetable ribbons and baby spinach attractively in a wide, clear serving bowl or on a platter, alternating colors to create a ribbon effect.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
04 - Drizzle the dressing evenly over the layered vegetables.
05 - Sprinkle chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese if using, and sliced mint leaves over the salad.
06 - Serve immediately to preserve texture and freshness.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • Colorful and visually appealing
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free
02 -
  • Omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative for a vegan version
  • Try substituting walnuts or pecans for pistachios if preferred
03 -
  • Use a mandoline for evenly thin vegetable ribbons
  • Add ribbons of roasted beet for extra color and earthiness
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