Product was provided to me on behalf of Cape Cod Cranberries to review, use, and write about. As always, all opinions are entirely my own.
It's hot. It's hot. It's really really hot here in Texas right now and all I want to do is avoid using my stove or oven! So, today for lunch, I decided to go with a super quick and easy cold and crunchy salad. And when I say easy, I mean almost ridiculously easy. It's so easy that it only takes a whopping 5-10 minutes from start to finish with preparing it.
The best part? There is absolutely NO cooking or heating required! How do you do that? Well, cranberries! Cranberries are a favorite of mine and I love finding clever ways to use them up all year round. They are so versatile that they can be used in just about any meal or in any type of drink. Trust me, I've got a lot of tricks up my sleeve when it comes to these tart bright red little gems. Never mind all their health benefits.
A started this pretty little salad off with a cranberry apple vinaigrette that I made with Cape Cod Select Premium Frozen Cranberries, and yeah... I used them straight from the freezer too. No thawing, no cooking, no waiting. Just straight to it. The vinaigrette, just like most vinaigrettes, is super simple and easy to make with just a quick whirl around to blend and puree.
After that, it's as easy as stacking your lettuce, apples, nuts, and cheese to give it all a drizzle of that easy peasy vinaigrette. The cranberries give a sharp and refreshing tang to the dressing that packs a punch of flavor into such a simple salad.
I went with Cape Cod Select Premium Frozen Cranberries because I love that it's a women-owned family business that's been around for 75 years and 4 generations. Plus, they're huge into sustainability - just as I think we need to be.
You can find your Cape Cod Select in stores, or order online.
Don't forget to follow Cape Code on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for more cranberry inspired goodness!
TheSkinnyFork.com A quick and easy salad that's full on flavor, and not on guilt. This stacked salad couldn't be more simple or delicious. Loaded with green apples, feta, walnuts, and even some cranberries! Prep Time: 10 Minutes • Cook time: 0 Minutes
Servings: 4 • Serving Size: 1 Prepared Salad • Calories: 187 • Fat: 10 g • Saturated Fat: 2 g • Carb: 22 g • Fiber: 3 g • Protein: 4 g • Sugar: 16 g • Sodium: 122 mg
Cranberry Vinaigrette:
• 1/2 C. Cape Cod Select Premium Frozen Cranberries
• 1/8 C. Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/8 C. Honey
• 1/4 C. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
• 1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3/4 Tsp. Dijon
• Salt & Pepper to Taste
Salad:
• 4 C. Baby Spring Mix Lettuce
• 1 Large Green Apple, Sliced Thinly
• 1/4 C. Chopped Walnuts
• 1/4 C. Crumbled Feta Cheese
• Optional: Extra Thawed Cape Cod Select Premium Cranberries, For Garnish
Directions:
Place the ingredients for the vinaigrette into a blender, food processor, or cup for an immersion blender and blend away. Arrange the 1 C. lettuce, apple slices, 1 Tbsp. walnuts, and 1 Tbsp. crumbled feta cheese as desired in each plate or bowl. Serve each salad with about 1/4 C. of dressing and enjoy right away! Note: This may be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge; keeping the salad and the dressing separate until ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Photos:
Nutritional Claims: Low Sodium, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Egg Free, Peanut Free, Soy Free, Fish Free, Shellfish Free, Pork Free, Red Meat Free, Crustacean Free, Celery Free, Sesame Free, Lupine Free, Mollusk Free, Alcohol Free, Kosher