This colorful salad combines crunchy walnuts, tangy goat cheese, and sweet cranberries, making each bite a delight! The fig balsamic dressing adds a special touch that’s simply irresistible.
Trust me, it’s a salad that makes you look forward to eating your greens! I love serving this dish at gatherings—it’s a hit with everyone! Who knew salads could be this fun? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Salad Greens: A combination of spinach, red leaf lettuce, and baby kale adds texture and flavor. If you don’t have these on hand, arugula or romaine can work too. Just keep it fresh!
Dried Cranberries: They bring a sweet and tart flavor. You could substitute with raisins or chopped dried figs if you prefer. Both work well with this salad.
Walnuts: Their crunch is a must! If you’re allergic or don’t have them, try pecans or almonds. Toasting them lightly enhances their flavor!
Goat Cheese: This cheese adds creaminess. Feta is a great substitute if you’re not a fan of goat cheese. It won’t be as creamy, but it will still taste delicious!
Fig Preserves: For the dressing, fig preserves give a unique sweetness. If you can’t find them, use honey or maple syrup mixed with a little bit of crushed figs or even a bit of apple butter.
How Do You Make a Creamy Dressing That Stays Combined?
Creating an emulsified dressing is easier than it seems! The goal is to combine oil and vinegar (or other liquids) so they don’t separate. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with your vinegar and flavoring ingredients (like fig preserves) in a small bowl.
- While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This gradual addition allows the oil to mix in with the vinegar, creating a creamy texture.
- Keep whisking until the mixture looks smooth. If it separates, just whisk again!
- Always taste your dressing before serving. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or acidity to match your preference!
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic dressing for your salad that everyone will love!
Cranberry, Walnut, and Goat Cheese Salad with Fig Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., spinach, red leaf lettuce, baby kale)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped or halved
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
For the Fig Balsamic Dressing:
- 3 tbsp fig preserves or fig jam
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a lovely light lunch or a refreshing starter for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the fig preserves, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey (if you want to add a touch of sweetness). Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nicely combined.
2. Emulsify the Dressing:
While whisking the dressing, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This process is key to prevent separation! Taste it and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, add your mixed salad greens. Then, layer on the dried cranberries, walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese. Keep things colorful!
4. Dress the Salad:
Now, drizzle your fig balsamic dressing over the salad. Gently toss the salad until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to break the goat cheese too much—you want those lovely chunks!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop the salad onto individual plates or bowls. If desired, sprinkle a few extra walnuts or crumbles of goat cheese on top for an extra touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors!
Enjoy this vibrant salad as a light lunch or refreshing starter that balances sweet, tangy, nutty, and creamy flavors beautifully!
Can I Substitute Fresh Figs for Fig Preserves?
While fresh figs won’t provide the same concentrated sweetness as fig preserves, you can certainly use thinly sliced fresh figs in this salad. Just toss them in with the other ingredients for a fresh twist!
How Long Will Leftover Salad Last?
Store any leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you’ve added dressing, it’s best consumed the same day to keep the greens crisp!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, simply omit the goat cheese and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. It will still be delicious and satisfying!
What Other Nuts Can I Use?
You can easily substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them roughly for some added crunch!