Mixed Green Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette

Name: Mixed Green Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/3 cup sugar; 1/3 cup water; 1/2 cup cider vinegar; 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 3 tablespoons olive oil; SALAD:; 2 packages (5 ounces each) spring mix salad greens; 1 medium tart apple, chopped; 2/3 cup dried cranberries; 2/3 cup glazed walnuts; 2/3 cup crumbled blue cheese

This colorful salad is a bright and tasty introduction to a special meal. Dried cranberries and tart apples along with glazed walnuts and rich blue cheese add interest to the mix.—Gretchen Farr, Port Orford, Oregon

Ingredients

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons olive oil
SALAD:
2 packages (5 ounces each) spring mix salad greens
1 medium tart apple, chopped
2/3 cup dried cranberries
2/3 cup glazed walnuts
2/3 cup crumbled blue cheese

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until berries pop, about 10 minutes.
Cool slightly. Place the cranberry mixture, vinegar and mustard in a blender; cover and process until pureed. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Refrigerate until serving.
Just before serving, in a large bowl, combine the salad greens, apple, cranberries and walnuts. Drizzle with 1 cup vinaigrette and toss to coat. Sprinkle with blue cheese. Serve with remaining vinaigrette.