Festive Tossed Salad
A vibrant, sweet-tangy tossed salad featuring fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and a flavorful poppy seed dressing, perfect for festive gatherings and light, refreshing meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup cider or red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup oil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds ⓘ
- 10 cups torn romaine lettuce ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1 medium apple, cored and cubed ⓘ
- 1 medium pear, cored and cubed ⓘ
- dried cranberries or cherries ⓘ
- chopped cashews ⓘ
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, chopped onion, and salt.
- Cover and process until blended.
- With the blender running, gradually add oil until incorporated.
- Add poppy seeds and blend briefly.
- In a large bowl, toss torn romaine lettuce with shredded Swiss cheese, cubed apple, cubed pear, dried cranberries or cherries, and chopped cashews.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dressing, consider using Greek yogurt instead of oil or reducing the sugar for a less sweet flavor. You can also substitute the Swiss cheese with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. Feel free to add additional ingredients like diced bell peppers or sliced radishes for extra crunch. For a nut-free version, omit the chopped cashews and replace them with sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
This festive tossed salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal. Serve it alongside crusty bread or as a side to hearty dishes like ham or roast beef. For a themed gathering, consider complementing it with dessert options like Gum Drop Fudge or Applesauce Cake Squares to create a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. If the greens wilt, refresh them by tossing with a bit of cold water and draining before adding the dressing again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Festive Tossed Salad contains roughly 345 calories, with 5g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as the ingredients may settle or separate.
What other fruits can I use in this salad?
You can customize this salad with various fruits such as berries, oranges, or even pomegranate seeds. These alternatives can add unique flavors and colors, making it even more festive.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This festive tossed salad is a great option for vegetarian recipes, featuring fresh produce and no meat. Just ensure that your cheese is vegetarian-friendly, and enjoy this vibrant dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).