Pistachio Cranberry Layered Salad

A vibrant, festive salad featuring colorful vegetable ribbons, crunchy pistachios, and sweet-tart cranberries, layered for an impressive presentation and delightful textures.

This salad always impresses guests with its vibrant layers and fresh flavors.

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

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The family loves sharing this colorful salad during holiday dinners and special 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.

Nutritional Information

Calories 240 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 22 g Protein 6 g per serving with feta

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This salad combines freshness and texture for an elegant dish that is ready in minutes.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I create the vegetable ribbons?

Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to slice the carrots, cucumber, zucchini, and yellow squash lengthwise into thin, even strips.

→ Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative to suit vegan preferences.

→ What nuts can substitute pistachios?

Walnuts or pecans can be used as alternatives if you want a different nutty crunch or have pistachio allergies.

→ How should the salad be served for best texture?

Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the crispness of the vegetable ribbons and the crunch of the nuts.

→ What dressing complements the layered vegetables?

A simple dressing of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper balances the flavors beautifully.