Walnut Tossed Salad
A crunchy walnut-tossed salad featuring fresh greens, thinly sliced red onion, and a tangy tarragon vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and stir walnuts in vegetable oil in an 8-inch skillet until toasted, about 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Remove walnuts with a slotted spoon and drain.
- Sprinkle walnuts with salt.
- Stir tarragon wine vinegar and sugar into the oil in the skillet.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad greens and sliced red onion, then toss to combine.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Walnut Tossed Salad, consider toasting the walnuts until they are golden brown for a deeper nutty taste. You can substitute olive oil for vegetable oil for a richer flavor. If you want to make this a vegan recipe, ensure that the sugar used is plant-based. Add fruits like apples or pears for a refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Walnut Tossed Salad makes a great starter or side dish, especially alongside grilled chicken or a light fish like salmon. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a slice of crusty bread or pairing it with a refreshing drink like Tropical Ice(Punch). To elevate the dish, serve it on chilled plates for a more elegant presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It's best to keep the vinaigrette separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the greens. When ready to eat, simply drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Tossed Salad contains roughly 812 calories, with 2g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (146% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2094mg per serving (91% 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 use different nuts in this salad?
Absolutely! While walnuts add a unique flavor, you can substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you prefer a nut-free option. Each nut will bring its own distinct taste and texture to the salad.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the Walnut Tossed Salad more substantial, you can add protein sources like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese. These additions will not only enhance the flavor but also make it a satisfying meal option, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Is there a way to prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the vinaigrette and chop the salad greens and onions ahead of time. Store each component separately in the refrigerator. Just combine everything and toss with the dressing right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
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).