Winter can be a bit of a paradox, can’t it? While everything outside is wrapped in a sleepy, frosty blanket, our taste buds crave something vibrant and zesty to shake off the chill. Enter this Refreshing Winter Fruit Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing—it’s like a burst of sunshine on your plate, a sweet escape from the gray skies, and trust me, it’s as invigorating as a brisk morning walk but without the need for a scarf.
Steps
- In a blender or food processor, combine the sugar, lemon juice, onion, mustard, and salt. Blend the ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed together.
- While the machine is still running, gradually add the vegetable oil in a slow, steady stream. Continue blending until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.
- Add the poppy seeds to the blender and pulse for a few seconds until they are evenly distributed throughout the dressing.
- In a large serving bowl, mix together the torn romaine lettuce, shredded Swiss cheese, cashews, dried cranberries, diced apple, and sliced pear.
- Just before serving, pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss everything together to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cashew nuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 pear, peeled, cored, and sliced
Nutritional Values
Calories | 3324 | Total Fat | 252g | Saturated Fat | 48g | Cholesterol | 108mg | Sodium | 2412mg | Total Carbohydrate | 252g | Dietary Fiber | 24g | Total Sugars | 168g | Protein | 60g | Vitamin C | 156mg | Calcium | 1236mg | Iron | 12mg | Potassium | 2316mg
FAQ
- Can I make the poppyseed dressing in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before using it on the salad.
- What can I substitute for cashews in this salad?
- If you’re allergic to cashews or prefer a different nut, you can use almonds, walnuts, or pecans as a substitute.
- Is it necessary to use a food processor for the dressing?
- While a food processor or blender is recommended for creating a smooth dressing, you can also whisk the ingredients together by hand if necessary. Just ensure the oil is added gradually to emulsify the dressing.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Absolutely. If Swiss cheese isn’t to your liking, feel free to substitute it with a mild cheddar or even feta for a different flavor profile.
- How can I prevent the apples and pears from browning?
- To keep the apples and pears from browning, you can toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This will help maintain their fresh appearance.
Tips
- To achieve a creamy and emulsified dressing, add the oil slowly in a steady stream while blending with the other ingredients. This helps the mixture thicken properly.
- Prepare the salad components ahead of time, but wait to combine the dressing with the salad until just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Customize the salad by swapping out Swiss cheese or cashews with your preferred type of cheese or nuts to better suit your taste preferences.
- For added freshness, consider using a mix of different apple and pear varieties to add depth and complexity to the fruit flavors in the salad.
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor – To combine and emulsify the dressing ingredients smoothly.
- Large Serving Bowl – For tossing and serving the salad.
