Cranberry Walnut Salad (diabetic)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Cranberry Walnut Salad
Cranberry Walnut Salad with Feta is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings a burst of freshness to any meal. This diabetic-friendly version swaps out high-sugar ingredients for healthier alternatives, ensuring you can enjoy this vibrant dish without compromising on taste. The tartness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the creamy feta and the crunch of walnuts, creating a salad that is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.
Historically, salads have been a staple in various cultures, often serving as a refreshing side or a light main course. The combination of fruits and nuts in salads dates back to ancient times, where they were used to enhance flavors and provide nutritional benefits. Today, we embrace this tradition while making it accessible for those mindful of their sugar intake.
This salad is not just a feast for the senses; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a dish that impresses at any gathering. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side or a light lunch on its own. Just remember, if you’re ever in doubt about how to make a salad, just toss in some greens and call it a day—after all, it’s hard to mess up something so green and leafy!
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries
- 0.5 cup walnuts, chopped
- 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients: mixed salad greens, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, crumbled feta, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to wash the salad greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the salad greens and dried cranberries. The sweetness of the cranberries will contrast nicely with the bitterness of the greens, creating a balanced flavor.
- Add the chopped walnuts to the bowl. Their crunchiness adds a delightful texture to the salad, making each bite interesting.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. The creamy feta will provide a rich, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This dressing will bring all the flavors together without adding unnecessary sugar.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Use just enough to lightly coat the greens and other ingredients without drowning them.
- Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the salad. This will enhance the flavors of the ingredients and bring out their natural tastes.
- Toss the salad gently with two large spoons or salad tongs. Be careful not to bruise the greens; you want them to stay crisp and fresh.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a bit more acidity, feel free to add a splash more balsamic vinegar.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more harmonious dish.
- Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with a few extra walnuts and cranberries for a beautiful presentation.
- Enjoy your Cranberry Walnut Salad with Feta as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish at dinner. It’s a perfect way to add some color and nutrition to your meal!
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Carbs g: 12
- Protein g: 6
- Fat g: 18
- Sugar g: 3
