Let me tell you, there are salads, and then there’s this gem—an absolute whirlwind of flavors that feels like a celebration in your mouth. Picture this: tangy cranberries dancing with creamy avocado, all nestled in a bed of fresh spinach—it’s like a sensory symphony! And don’t even get me started on the orange poppyseed dressing; it’s the kind of sweet and zesty mix that makes you question why you’d ever settle for anything less.
Steps
- Combine olive oil, canola oil, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt in a blender. Blend until the mixture is well emulsified. Transfer the dressing to a jar and mix in the poppy seeds, then refrigerate until needed.
- In a large bowl, assemble all the salad ingredients, including spinach, cranberries, avocado, feta cheese, toasted almonds, and grilled chicken. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.
- Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Canola oil
- Zest of an orange
- Orange juice
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Poppy seeds
- Fresh spinach
- Cranberries
- Avocado
- Feta cheese
- Toasted almonds
- Grilled chicken
Nutritional Values
Calories 2920 | Calories from Fat 1800 | Total Fat 200g | Saturated Fat 40g | Cholesterol 420mg | Sodium 3104mg | Potassium 4032mg | Total Carbohydrates 152g | Dietary Fiber 20g | Sugars 108g | Protein 144g | Vitamin A 24820IU | Vitamin C 126mg | Calcium 1356mg | Iron 14.4mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute other fruits for cranberries in the Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad?
- Yes, you can substitute cranberries with other fruits such as pears or cherries for a different flavor profile.
- What type of cheese can I use if I don’t like feta?
- If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese for a milder taste or blue cheese if you prefer a more tangy flavor.
- Is it possible to use a different type of lettuce instead of spinach?
- Absolutely, you can use any mild type of lettuce in this salad. Options like kale or Brussels sprouts would also work well.
- Can I add any additional ingredients to the salad?
- You can enhance the salad by adding ingredients like bacon, which pairs nicely with the orange flavor, or leftover Thanksgiving turkey and pomegranate seeds for an autumn twist.
- How do I make the Orange Poppy Seed Dressing?
- To make the dressing, blend olive oil, canola oil, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt until emulsified. Stir in poppy seeds and refrigerate until ready to use.
Tips
- Consider swapping the grilled chicken with leftover Thanksgiving turkey for a festive twist, and enhance the salad with pomegranate seeds for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a different cheese profile, try using goat cheese for a milder taste or blue cheese for a more robust, tangy flavor.
- Experiment with different fruit options like pears or cherries to replace cranberries for a fresh variation, and feel free to substitute pecans or other nuts to suit your preference.
- For those who love a smoky flavor, consider adding crispy bacon pieces, as bacon pairs exceptionally well with the citrusy orange dressing.
Equipment
- Blender – For emulsifying the dressing ingredients.
- Zester/Grater – For zesting the orange.
- Citrus Juicer – To efficiently juice the orange and lemon.
- Salad Spinner – For washing and drying the spinach or other greens.
- Large Salad Bowl – For mixing and serving the salad.
