Northwoods Inn Salad Copycat Recipe: Make This Fresh & Flavorful Salad in Minutes

I’ve always loved the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Northwoods Inn Salad. There’s something about its perfect balance of crisp greens, juicy fruits, and savory nuts that makes it a standout. Whenever I visit the Northwoods Inn, this salad is a must-have on my plate.

But I didn’t want to wait to enjoy it again, so I decided to create a copycat recipe at home. Now, I can savor all those delightful ingredients any time I crave that signature taste. Let me walk you through how to make this delicious salad in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Recreating the Northwoods Inn Salad was a rewarding experience. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delightful dish.

For the Salad

• 6 cups mixed baby greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Tools and Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing all the fresh ingredients together.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and fruits.
• Chef’s Knife: Essential for slicing cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions with precision.
• Salad Tongs or Large Spoons: Helps in mixing and serving the salad effortlessly.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures accurate amounts for the dressing ingredients.
• Small Mixing Bowl or Jar: Ideal for whisking together the dressing components.
• Whisk or Fork: Needed to emulsify the dressing to a smooth consistency.
• Vegetable Peeler: Useful for shredding carrots and prepping other vegetables efficiently.
• Avocado Slicer or Knife: Facilitates creating even slices of avocado without hassle.
• Grater: For adding crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad beautifully.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing the Northwoods Inn Salad ahead of time ensures you enjoy its fresh flavors without the last-minute rush. Follow these steps to make your salad components in advance:

1. Prep the Vegetables

• Wash and Dry Greens: Rinse mixed baby greens thoroughly under cold water. Spin them dry using a salad spinner to prevent wilting.
• Chop Vegetables: Slice cherry tomatoes in halves, dice cucumbers, red bell peppers, and red onions into bite-sized pieces. Shred the carrots using a vegetable peeler.
• Store Separately: Place each prepped vegetable in airtight containers. Use separate containers to maintain freshness and prevent flavors from mingling.

2. Prepare the Avocado

• Slice Just Before Serving: To keep the avocado from browning, slice it right before assembling the salad. If you prefer to prep in advance, toss the avocado slices with a teaspoon of lemon juice and store in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface.

3. Toast the Walnuts

• Enhance Flavor: Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Stir halfway through.
• Cool and Store: Let the toasted walnuts cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two weeks.

4. Crumble the Feta Cheese

• Freshness Matters: Crumble feta cheese just before serving to maintain its creamy texture. If preparing in advance, store crumbled feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

5. Make the Dressing

• Combine Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl or jar, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
• Store Properly: Seal the dressing in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to one week. Shake well before each use to recombine the ingredients.

6. Assemble When Ready

• Toss Just Before Serving: When ready to enjoy, combine all prepped vegetables and greens in a large mixing bowl. Add avocado slices, crumbled feta, and toasted walnuts.
• Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors.

By following these make-ahead steps, you can effortlessly recreate the delicious Northwoods Inn Salad any time you crave its delightful combination of crisp greens, juicy fruits, and savory nuts.

Directions

As a chef who loves mastering and recreating beloved dishes, I’m excited to guide you through making the Northwoods Inn Salad copycat recipe. Follow these steps to bring this vibrant and flavorful salad to your table.

Prep the Ingredients

1. Wash and Dry Greens: Rinse 6 cups of mixed baby greens under cold water. Use a salad spinner to dry thoroughly.
2. Slice Vegetables:

• Cherry Tomatoes: Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes.
• Cucumber: Slice 1 medium cucumber into thin half-moons.
• Red Bell Pepper: Julienne 1 red bell pepper.
• Red Onion: Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion.

1. Shred Carrots: Peel and shred 1 large carrot.
2. Prepare Avocado: Cut 1 ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice just before assembling the salad to prevent browning.
3. Toast Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/2 cup of walnuts until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Let them cool.
4. Crumbled Feta: Use a grater to crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese.

Make the Dressing

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 minced garlic clove

1. Season: Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
2. Emulsify: Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Salad

1. Combine Greens and Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared mixed baby greens. Toss in cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded carrots.
2. Add Feta and Walnuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted walnuts over the salad.
3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
4. Top with Avocado: Add the sliced avocado just before serving for a fresh and creamy finish.
5. Serve Immediately: Transfer the salad to serving bowls and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Serving Suggestions

As a chef passionate about creating memorable dining experiences, I love pairing the Northwoods Inn Salad with dishes that complement its vibrant flavors. Here are some of my top suggestions to elevate your meal:

Perfect Pairings

• Grilled Proteins: Serve the salad alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or steak. The smoky flavors enhance the fresh greens and tangy feta.
• Artisan Breads: A crusty baguette or garlic bread beautifully accompanies the salad, adding a satisfying crunch.
• Soups: Start your meal with a light vegetable or creamy tomato soup for a balanced and comforting combination.

Enhancing Presentation

• Layered Bowls: Use clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful layers of vegetables, fruits, and nuts, making the salad visually appealing.
• Garnishes: Sprinkle additional toasted walnuts and crumbled feta on top for an extra burst of texture and flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil to introduce an aromatic element.

Creative Add-Ins

Incorporating these add-ins can tailor the salad to your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile centerpiece for any meal.

Beverage Pairings

• White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the salad’s fresh ingredients.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, try flavored sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
• Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of unsweetened iced tea pairs wonderfully, balancing the salad’s richness.

By thoughtfully pairing and presenting the Northwoods Inn Salad, you can create a delightful and harmonious dining experience that highlights the salad’s exceptional flavors and textures.

Conclusion

Creating the Northwoods Inn Salad at home has become one of my favorite kitchen adventures. There’s something truly satisfying about combining fresh ingredients and seeing them come together into such a vibrant dish.

Whenever I crave something light yet flavorful I reach for this salad. It’s perfect for any meal and always garners compliments from friends and family. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this copycat recipe as much as I do.