Mixed Greens With Cheese And Green Onion Vinaigrette
A fresh, crunchy salad featuring mixed greens, toasted walnuts, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese, complemented by a tangy green onion vinaigrette, perfect for a light, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat walnut oil in a heavy 6-inch skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add walnuts and cook until brown, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Combine torn romaine and red lettuce, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and cooled walnuts in a large bowl.
- Just before serving, add green onion vinaigrette and toss to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of nuts such as pecans or almonds instead of just walnuts. If walnut oil is unavailable, a good quality olive oil can work as a substitute. When toasting the nuts, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as they can go from golden to overdone quickly. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also enhance the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This mixed greens salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or a cheese platter for a more substantial spread. It also makes an excellent side dish for holiday meals, complementing dishes like Mama'S Best Giblet Gravy perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the greens. To refresh the salad, gently toss it again with a bit more vinaigrette before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mixed Greens With Cheese And Green Onion Vinaigrette contains roughly 671 calories, with 7g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use different types of cheese in this salad?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack provides a mild flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or even sharp cheddar for a bolder taste. Just keep in mind that stronger cheeses may alter the overall flavor of the salad.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. Additionally, use a plant-based oil for the dressing and ensure the vinaigrette ingredients do not contain any animal products.
What can I add to this salad for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding chickpeas, grilled tofu, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. These additions can make the salad more filling and transform it into a complete meal.
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).