Winter Salad with Honey Roasted Walnuts

As the winter chill settles in, our cravings often shift towards heartier and more comforting meals. But that doesn't mean you have to abandon salads altogether. In fact, a winter salad can be a delightful and nourishing choice, especially when it features Mānuka honey candied walnuts. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of a winter salad enhanced by the sweet crunch of candied walnuts, the nutritional benefits it offers, and how you can incorporate this wholesome dish into your seasonal menu.

The Star of the Show: Mānuka Honey Candied Walnuts

1. Walnuts: Walnuts are not only a delicious addition to salads but also a nutritional powerhouse. They provide healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. When candied with Mānuka honey, they add a delightful sweetness and irresistible crunch to your winter salad.

2. Mānuka Honey: Mānuka honey, sourced from New Zealand, is renowned for its unique flavor profile and potential health benefits. It brings a natural sweetness to the candied walnuts, enhancing their taste while providing its famous antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The Winter Salad Experience. Let's explore the essential components of our Winter salad recipe.

1. Leafy Greens: Start with a base of fresh, seasonal leafy greens. Winter varieties like kale, spinach, and arugula provide a robust foundation for your salad.

2. Protein: We've boosted the protein content of our salad with the creamy richness of feta cheese and goat cheese. You could add in other  protein options like grilled chicken .

3. Citrus: Citrus fruits like orange segments or pomegranate arils not only add vibrant color but also bring a zesty, refreshing contrast to the salad.

4. Mānuka Honey Candied Walnuts: The pièce de résistance of your winter salad, these candied walnuts provide sweetness, crunch, and a rich depth of flavor.

5. Dressing: A light vinaigrette dressing, made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fig preserves, ties the salad together with a delightful balance of flavours.

The Nutritional Benefits

Our winter salad with Mānuka honey candied walnuts also offers a multitude of nutritional benefits:

1. Fiber and Nutrients: Leafy greens provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting overall health and digestion.

2. Protein: Adding protein sources like feta cheese and goat cheese keeps you feeling full and satisfied, making the salad a wholesome meal option.

3. Healthy Fats: Walnuts provide heart-healthy unsaturated fats that contribute to satiety and brain health.

4. Antioxidants: The combination of colorful citrus fruits offers a rich array of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

5. Mānuka Honey Benefits: The use of Mānuka honey not only enhances the salad's flavor but also potentially provides immune-boosting and antibacterial properties.

Our winter salad featuring Mānuka honey candied walnuts is a delightful and nutritious addition to your seasonal menu. It's blend of fresh, hearty ingredients with the sweetness of candied walnuts creates a harmonious dish that celebrates the flavours of winter. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad is sure to brighten up your winter dining experience while nourishing your body with wholesome goodness.

Enjoy! 
The Steens team x

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups raw walnuts

• 1/3 cup pure Manuka Honey

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 pinch crushed red pepper

• Flaky sea salt

• 6 cups mixed greens

• 2 cups arugula

• 2 cups Fresh Pomegranate Arils

• 1 blood or cara cara orange, sliced (optional)

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

BALSAMIC FIG DRESSING

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon fig preserves

• Kosher salt and black pepper
  
  

1. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees C (375 F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the walnuts with the Manuka honey, cinnamon, crushed red pepper, and salt. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring twice throughout cooking, until the walnuts are toasted. Remove from the oven and spread the walnuts in one layer. Sprinkle with flaky salt.
 

2. Add the greens to a large salad bowl. Add the pomegranate, oranges (if using), cranberries, goat cheese, and walnuts. Gently toss the salad.



3. To make the dressing. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and shake to combine. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Enjoy!