Save A vibrant, festive salad featuring colorful vegetable ribbons, crunchy pistachios, and sweet-tart cranberries layered for an impressive presentation and delightful textures.
This salad is perfect for holidays and casual gatherings alike, always drawing compliments from friends and family.
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.
Save Family loves the fresh flavors and crunchy textures this salad brings to our dinner table during festive occasions.
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. Double-check all ingredient labels for gluten or other allergens as needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving with feta: Calories 240, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 22 g, Protein 6 g
Save This salad can be prepared ahead of time but add toppings just before serving to keep textures crisp.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I create thin vegetable ribbons?
Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to slice carrots, cucumber, zucchini, and squash lengthwise into thin, even ribbons for layering.
- → Can I prepare this salad vegan-friendly?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan.
- → What can I substitute for pistachios if allergic?
Walnuts or pecans work well as substitutes, providing a similar crunch and flavor depth.
- → How should this salad be served for best texture?
Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the crispness of the vegetable ribbons and crunch of the toppings.
- → What dressing ingredients balance the flavors?
The combination of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard creates a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing that complements the layers.