Giada De Laurentiis opts for roasted potatoes in her winter salad
Instead of a warm cereal base, the Food Network host uses crispy roasted potatoes, along with orange and Gorgonzola cheese.
The main difference with a winter salad is that it usually has a warm base, such as couscous or quinoa. Placing leafy greens with fresh fruit or vegetables on top of a warm grain might sound strange, but that balance between hot and cold is what makes the salad so appealing in the colder months.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, winter fruits such as apples, pears, and grapefruit, leafy greens such as kale and collard greens, and root vegetables such as carrots, onions, Brussels sprouts, and beets are available. Yams, squash, and potatoes are also associated with this season.
Including these products not only takes advantage of what's in season, but also adds flavor. Food Network host Giada De Laurentiis applies this to her own salad.
Instead of a hot base, De Laurentiis uses crispy roasted potatoes as the main ingredient, as he explains on his food blog, Giadzy. The flavor of the potatoes complements the leafy greens and provides that same sensation of contrast between hot and cold.
The recipe also highlights another winter ingredient: the orange. Roasted potatoes pair beautifully with orange slices, a surprisingly delicious combination.
The salad is finished with Gorgonzola cheese, toasted chopped walnuts, arugula, and an orange zest vinaigrette. The smoothness of the cheese and the crunch of the walnuts give each bite a delightful contrast of textures.
