Pistachio Cranberry Layered Salad (Printable)

Colorful vegetable ribbons layered with pistachios and cranberries for a fresh, textured dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium carrots, peeled
02 - 1 medium cucumber, ends trimmed
03 - 1 medium zucchini, ends trimmed
04 - 1 small yellow squash, ends trimmed
05 - 1 cup baby spinach leaves, washed and dried

→ Dressing

06 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Toppings

11 - 1/3 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
12 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries
13 - 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese (optional)
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely sliced

# Steps:

01 - Slice carrots, cucumber, zucchini, and yellow squash lengthwise into thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler or mandoline.
02 - Arrange the vegetable ribbons and baby spinach in a wide, clear serving bowl or platter, alternating colors to create a layered ribbon effect.
03 - Combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until emulsified.
04 - Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the layered vegetables.
05 - Sprinkle chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, optional feta cheese, and fresh mint over the salad.
06 - Serve at once to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Colorful and nutritious
  • Quick and easy to prepare
02 -
  • For a vegan salad omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative
  • Try substituting walnuts or pecans for pistachios if preferred
03 -
  • Use a mandoline for evenly thin vegetable ribbons
  • Prepare dressing just before serving for freshest flavor
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