Deliciously Sweet Salad with Maple, Nuts, Seeds, Blueberries, and Goat Cheese

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, romaine lettuce, etc.)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup raw mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
• 1/4 cup raw seeds (e.g., sunflower, pumpkin)
• 1/2 cup goat cheese
• 3-4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: None (as it is a salad)

Difficulty Level:

Level 2 (Simple to moderate, requires basic kitchen skills)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare the salad greens by washing and drying them thoroughly. Arrange on a serving plate or bowl.
2. Combine the fresh blueberries, mixed nuts, and seeds in a bowl and toss gently to mix. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Set aside.
4. Crumble the goat cheese into small pieces and scatter over the salad greens.
5. Top the salad with the mixed blueberries, nuts, and seeds.
6. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad.
7. Serve immediately or after a short period of refrigeration to allow flavors to blend.

Nutritional Information: (Based on average values; may vary depending on specific ingredients used)

• Calories: Approx. 350 per serving (without accounting for additional fats or oils added by the consumer)
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: Approx. 6g

Dish Characteristics:

• Unique combination of flavors with maplesyrup adding a sweet touch to the fresh salad ingredients.
• Goat cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the salad.
• Nuts and seeds provide a crunchy contrast to the fresh greens and cheese.
• Versatile dish that can be customized with different types of nuts, seeds, and even other fruits like strawberries or oranges.

User Comments:

1. "This salad is amazing! The combination of flavors is so unique and refreshing." - John Doe
2. "I love the sweetness from the maple syrup combined with the crisp blueberries and crunchy nuts." - Jane Smith
3. "Great as a side dish or even as a light meal. The goat cheese really takes this salad to another level." - Michael Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use high-quality ingredients for best results (e.g., fresh blueberries, premium goat cheese).
• Adjust the dressing to taste, as preferences may vary for sweetness and acidity.
• If not serving immediately, store the salad in a refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend better.