Winter Salad with Creamy Orange Ginger Dressing
A colorful and nutritious Winter Salad drizzled with a zesty Creamy Orange Ginger Dressing, perfect for cold months and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 5 oz leafy greens of choice Try to choose organic for a fresher taste.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa Cooking a big batch ahead can save time!
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds Look for the brightest seeds; they’re the sweetest!
- 3 tangerines or Cuties mandarins, sliced These add a sweetness that’s unbeatable.
- 1 tablespoon red onion, finely diced Use yellow onion for a milder flavor, if preferred.
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped Fresh mint elevates the salad beyond ordinary.
- 1/2 cup cashews, soaked Soak them for at least an hour to make them creamy in the dressing.
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup water Adjust based on desired thickness.
- 1 juice of 1 orange Freshly squeezed is always best!
- 1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar This gives a lovely tang.
- 1 inch knob fresh ginger, chopped or grated Don’t skimp on ginger; it’s the star here!
- 1/2 small clove garlic Adjust based on your love for garlic’s boldness.
- Himalayan salt and pepper A little seasoning goes a long way.
Instructions
For the Dressing
- Gather all your ingredients.
- Place all ingredients (cashews, water, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper) into a food processor or blender.
- Process until creamy! If it’s too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste for flavor! Adjust with more garlic or vinegar if needed. This makes about 3/4 cup of dressing, perfect for drizzling over the salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 6 days.
For the Salad
- Peel the tangerines and slice them into 1/4 inch pieces or break them into wedges.
- Assemble individual salads—pile up 1/3 of the leafy greens, 1/3 cup of cooked quinoa, and sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of pomegranate seeds.
- Add your tangerine slices, 1 teaspoon of onions, and the chopped mint on top.
- Drizzle the creamy orange ginger dressing over the top, mix it all together, and enjoy!
Notes
Pair fresh herbs with your salad for an enhanced flavor profile. Make sure your cashews are soaked well; it makes the dressing dreamy! Storage: The salad lasts about 3 days, while the dressing will keep for up to a week.