Ingredients:

  • 5 oz (140 g) Fresh Baby Spinach (or mild winter green mix)
  • 2 small heads (200 g) Radicchio (or Belgian Endive/Chicory), shredded
  • 2 large (250 g) Cooked Beetroot (pre-cooked, non-pickled), cubed
  • ½ cup (80 g) Pomegranate Seeds (Arils)
  • 1 medium Firm Apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced
  • 3 oz (85 g) Feta Cheese Crumbs (optional)
  • ½ cup (60 g) Pecans, halved or roughly chopped
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 Tbsp (45 ml) Cranberry Sauce (jellied or smooth)
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Maple Syrup
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Apple Cider Vinegar (or White Wine Vinegar)
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon Mustard
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, combine the cranberry sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously, or shake the sealed jar, until fully incorporated.
  2. Emulsify the Vinaigrette: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing thickens slightly and emulsifies. Taste and adjust seasoning/sweetness. Set aside.
  3. Toast Nuts (Optional): Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring continuously, until fragrant. Tip onto a plate to cool completely.
  4. Prepare Greens and Produce: Combine the spinach and shredded radicchio/chicory in the large salad bowl. Gently fold in the cubed cooked beetroot. Ensure greens are dry to prevent excessive bleeding of the beetroot colour.
  5. Dice Apple: Immediately before assembly, dice the apple and add it to the bowl to prevent browning.
  6. Dress Lightly: Drizzle about half of the prepared Cranberry-Maple Vinaigrette over the greens and gently toss everything together until lightly coated.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the dressed salad to a serving platter. Scatter the remaining dry ingredients generously over the top: the toasted pecans, the feta crumbles (if using), and the bright pomegranate seeds. Drizzle a little more dressing over the top or serve the remaining dressing on the side. Serve immediately.