Salads are a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors while keeping your meals light and nutritious. One salad that truly stands out is the salad with pistachios—a delightful combination of crunchy, nutty goodness paired with fresh greens, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
Pistachios add not only a satisfying crunch but also a boost of healthy fats and protein, making this salad a perfect option for a wholesome lunch or a side dish at dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned salad lover or new to incorporating nuts into your meals, this recipe offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
In this post, I’ll guide you through a simple yet elegant salad with pistachios recipe that you can easily customize to suit your taste. Plus, you’ll find helpful tips, nutrition facts, and serving suggestions to elevate your salad experience.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is a celebration of textures and fresh ingredients. The pistachios provide a delightful crunch and a subtle buttery flavor that complements the crispness of leafy greens and the sweetness of fresh fruit or vegetables you might choose to add.
It’s nutritious and packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
What’s more, this salad is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out or add ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
It comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, so you can enjoy it as a main or as a side.
If you love salads with a bit of a crunch and a nutty twist, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. For more fresh and easy ideas, check out our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, baby spinach, and romaine)
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for a creamy texture)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds (optional, for a burst of sweetness)
- Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Small bowl for mixing dressing
- Whisk or fork
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon for tossing salad
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Chop and slice the vegetables: Rinse and dry the salad greens thoroughly. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the cucumber and red onion, and dice the avocado.
- Toast the pistachios: For added flavor and crunch, toast the chopped pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the salad: In the large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado. Add the crumbled feta cheese and pomegranate seeds if using.
- Add the pistachios: Sprinkle the toasted pistachios over the salad to add a delightful crunch.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well coated. Be careful not to bruise the avocado while tossing.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve family-style. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors!
Tips & Variations
“For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like mint or basil—both pair beautifully with pistachios!”
- Make it vegan: Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Add grains: For a more filling salad, toss in cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous.
- Fruit additions: Sliced apples, pears, or dried cranberries can add a lovely sweetness and texture contrast.
- Change up the nuts: If pistachios aren’t your favorite, try toasted almonds or walnuts instead.
- Dressing variations: Swap lemon juice for balsamic vinegar or add a teaspoon of tahini to the dressing for a creamy twist.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This salad with pistachios pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
It also complements vegetarian main courses such as our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, adding freshness and crunch to your plate.
For a fully plant-based meal, serve alongside our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food to enjoy contrasting warm and cold textures.
Looking for more salad inspiration? Check out the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for vibrant, healthy salad recipes.
Conclusion
The salad with pistachios recipe is a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. With simple ingredients and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s a versatile salad that fits perfectly into any meal plan or occasion.
Whether you’re looking to add more plant-based meals into your diet or simply want a delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables and nuts, this recipe ticks all the boxes. The combination of crunchy pistachios, creamy avocado, and crisp greens makes every bite a delight.
Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite ingredients and dressings to make this salad your own signature dish. Happy cooking, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of this pistachio salad!
📖 Recipe Card: Salad with Pistachios
Description: A fresh and crunchy salad featuring vibrant greens and toasted pistachios. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT5M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, toasted
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast pistachios in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle toasted pistachios and feta cheese on top before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 8 g
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