Save A vibrant festive salad featuring colorful vegetable ribbons crunchy pistachios and sweet-tart cranberries layered for an impressive presentation and delightful textures.
This salad has become my go-to for holiday gatherings as everyone enjoys the mix of textures and flavors it offers.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 2 medium carrots peeled 1 medium cucumber ends trimmed 1 medium zucchini ends trimmed 1 small yellow squash ends trimmed 1 cup baby spinach leaves washed and dried
- Dressing: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 tsp honey or maple syrup 1 tsp Dijon mustard Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Toppings: 1/3 cup shelled pistachios roughly chopped 1/3 cup dried cranberries 2 oz (about 60 g) crumbled feta cheese (optional) 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves finely sliced
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline slice carrots cucumber zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise into thin ribbons.
- Step 2:
- Layer the vegetable ribbons and baby spinach attractively in a wide clear serving bowl or on a platter alternating colors for a ribbon effect.
- Step 3:
- In a small bowl whisk together olive oil lemon juice honey Dijon mustard salt and pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4:
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the layered vegetables.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios dried cranberries feta cheese (if using) and mint over the salad.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Save This salad always brings smiles at family dinners especially when kids ask for seconds because of its sweet and tangy flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this salad with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing meal.
Ingredient Swaps
Try substituting walnuts or pecans for pistachios if preferred for a different crunch and flavor.
Storage Tips
Best served fresh but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours without dressing.
Save This layered ribbon salad is a beautiful and tasty way to enjoy fresh veggies any time of year.
Recipe Questions
- → What tools help create the vegetable ribbons?
A vegetable peeler or mandoline works best for slicing thin, even ribbons from carrots, cucumber, zucchini, and squash.
- → Can the feta cheese be omitted or substituted?
Yes, feta is optional and can be omitted for a vegan option or replaced with a plant-based alternative.
- → What flavors are in the dressing?
The dressing combines olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper for a balanced tangy sweetness.
- → Are there nut alternatives for pistachios?
Walnuts or pecans can be used instead of pistachios to provide a similar crunchy texture and flavor.
- → What pairing suggestions complement this salad?
This salad pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon to enhance its fresh, vibrant profile.