Save to Pinterest A vibrant festive salad featuring colorful vegetable ribbons crunchy pistachios and sweet-tart cranberries layered for an impressive presentation and delightful textures
This salad became an instant favorite at family gatherings bringing vibrant colors and fresh flavors to the table
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 to Pinterest Sharing this salad during holidays has become a special family tradition mixing health and happiness
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
Per serving with feta Calories 240 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 22 g Protein 6 g
Save to Pinterest This salad brightens any meal and impresses guests with minimal effort
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the vegetable ribbons?
Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to slice carrots, cucumber, zucchini, and yellow squash lengthwise into thin, even ribbons for layering.
- → Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → What dressing ingredients enhance the flavor?
The dressing blends extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to balance tartness and sweetness.
- → What alternatives exist for pistachios?
Walnuts or pecans can be substituted for pistachios if you prefer or need different nut options.
- → How should I serve the salad for best texture?
Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetable ribbons and toppings.
- → Can I add other vegetables for more color?
Adding ribbons of roasted beet is a great way to introduce extra color and an earthy flavor to the salad.