Are you craving a delicious and refreshing salad that's both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This Liberty Tree Tavern Salad recipe brings the iconic Disney World experience right to your kitchen. This simple yet elegant salad is perfect for a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or even a stunning appetizer. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Get ready to enjoy a taste of history, recreated in your own home with this quick and easy recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe is easily scalable to suit your needs. Feel free to double or even triple the ingredients to feed a larger crowd.
- 5 oz mixed greens (spring mix, baby spinach, or romaine lettuce work beautifully)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup candied pecans (or walnuts)
- 4 oz crumbled bacon, cooked and crispy
- For the Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Get Started: Prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Cook your bacon until crispy and crumble it. If using store-bought candied pecans, ensure they're readily available. This will streamline the cooking process.
Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. The dressing's consistency should be emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, candied pecans, and crispy bacon.
Dress it Up: Gently toss the salad with the prepared vinaigrette, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated. Don't overdress! Add more dressing only if absolutely needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. This salad is best enjoyed fresh.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
- Bacon: For extra crispy bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This helps render the fat and gives you perfectly crispy bacon every time.
- Candied Pecans: If you can't find pre-candied pecans, you can easily make your own by tossing pecans with melted butter and brown sugar, then baking them until caramelized.
- Vinaigrette: For a smoother vinaigrette, use an immersion blender to emulsify the ingredients thoroughly.
- Storage: Leftover salad is best stored separately from the dressing. Store the greens and toppings in an airtight container and add the dressing just before serving.
Variations:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, turkey, or salmon would make this salad a hearty and complete meal.
- Different cheese: Goat cheese or blue cheese can be used as a substitute for feta, offering unique flavor profiles.
- Fruit variations: Dried cherries or apricots could replace the cranberries for a different taste experience.
- Nuts: Substitute candied walnuts or even roasted almonds for a nutty twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 25-30g
- Protein: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This Liberty Tree Tavern Salad is a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Its simple preparation and flexibility make it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy this delicious and healthy recipe!