Inspirations by Nancy

Cooking with Nancy O: The Perfect Winter Salad: Cozy, Crunchy, and Oh-So-Delicious!

Episode Summary

Who has time to cook? Let’s make something fast, healthy, and delicious! Winter doesn’t have to mean heavy meals! In this episode, we’re making a delicious Winter Salad using fresh greens from our very own Urban Tower Garden. With a mix of tart apples, crunchy pecans, dried cherries, and a homemade creamy maple dressing, this salad is packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for meal prepping, and a great alternative to fast food when you're short on time. Tune in as we walk through the simple steps to bring this dish to life! 👩‍🍳 Want to see the magic happen? Watch me make it on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nancysurbantowerfarm Don’t forget to subscribe to the YouTube channel to catch Nancy’s weekly cooking show! https://www.youtube.com/@nancysurbantowerfarm Order your Tower Garden today! https://nancyocares.com/a-healthier-you/

Episode Notes

"I eat salads occasionally just to remind my body that I’m in charge." – Unknown

Episode Summary:

👩‍🍳 Want to see the magic happen? Watch me make it on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nancysurbantowerfarm

Don’t forget to subscribe to the YouTube channel to catch Nancy’s weekly cooking show! https://www.youtube.com/@nancysurbantowerfarm

Order your Tower Garden today! https://nancyocares.com/a-healthier-you/

Sponsor Spotlight:

Nancy’s Urban Tower Farm—a unique community space dedicated to healthy living, learning, and growing together. Located at 4530 A Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129

Stop by or give us a call today! 314-742-1217

In This Episode:

The importance of fresh, homegrown ingredients
The benefits of Tower Gardens and how they allow for fresh produce all year
Step-by-step breakdown of the Winter Salad recipe
How to meal prep salad ingredients for quick, healthy meals
Making a homemade creamy maple dressing (and avoiding common mistakes!)
Ideas for customizing the salad with different fruits and nuts

Today’s Recipes: Winter Salad & Homemade Creamy Maple Dressing

Winter Salad

Ingredients:

Fresh lettuce mix (leaf lettuce, romaine, or any greens of choice)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional, especially for kids)
1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
1 Golden Delicious apple (or another apple variety), thinly sliced
½ cup dried cherries (not cranberries for a unique flavor)
½ cup pecans, roughly chopped

Instructions:

Wash and dry the lettuce, then chop or tear it into bite-sized pieces.
Add the thinly sliced apples and red onion.
Toss in dried cherries and pecans.
If serving immediately, drizzle with the creamy maple dressing (recipe below) and toss. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Creamy Maple Dressing Recipe

Ingredients:

¼ cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
¼ cup pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or substitute with white vinegar if needed)
¼ cup canola oil
1–2 tablespoons finely minced shallots
2 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust based on taste)

Instructions:

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, maple syrup, and white wine vinegar.
Slowly drizzle in the canola oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
Stir in the finely minced shallots and sugar.
Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
Store in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

Add pears for a different twist!
Swap pecans for walnuts, pine nuts, or almonds.
Top with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a hearty meal.
Sprinkle poppy seeds for extra texture and flavor.

Enjoy this refreshing and nutritious Winter Salad—perfect for a light holiday dish or an everyday meal prep staple!

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