Chopped Salad with Creamy Basil Dressing
User Reviews
5
Chopped Salad with Creamy Basil Dressing
Description
The Chopped Salad with Creamy Basil Dressing is a vibrant mix of leafy arugula combined with crunchy red pepper, dried cranberries for sweetness, salty feta cheese, and cooked couscous adding a tender grain component. Sunflower seeds and freeze-dried or fresh corn contribute additional texture and flavor contrast.
The creamy basil dressing is made by blending fresh basil leaves with extra-virgin olive oil, mayonnaise, a touch of sugar, red wine vinegar, and salt to balance the flavors. This dressing coats the salad ingredients, infusing them with a fresh, herbaceous, and slightly tangy flavor profile.
Assembled by layering the ingredients and tossing with the dressing just before serving, the salad offers a combination of bitter arugula, sweet cranberries, salty feta, and the creamy, aromatic dressing. This makes it suitable for a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood.
Ingredients
- 6 - 8 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/2 cup couscous cooked according to package instructions
- 1 red pepper diced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pepitas
- 3/4 cup freeze-dried corn or fresh corn
Creamy Basil Dressing
- 1 cup basil fresh, heaping leaves
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon red wine vinegar or any vinegar
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add arugula. Layer on dried cranberries, feta cheese, cooked and drained couscous, diced red pepper, sunflower seeds, and corn.
To make dressing:
- In a blender or food processor, whip together basil, oil, mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and salt. Taste and add more salt or sugar, if desired.
- Toss dressing with salad. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 378 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 378kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 21mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 299mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 251mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 1595IU | 32% |
| Vitamin C | 31.1mg | 35% |
| Calcium | 146mg | 15% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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