Apple, Pecan & Goat Cheese Salad
This vibrant Apple, Pecan & Goat Cheese Salad is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures. It's a perfect light lunch or elegant side dish that comes together in minutes.
For 2 servings
Prepare the pecans: If not pre-toasted, spread pecan halves in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool completely.
Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens. Place them in a large salad bowl.
Prepare the apple: Core the apple and slice it thinly. For best presentation and even bites, a mandoline can be used. To prevent browning, you can lightly toss the slices with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified and creamy.
Assemble the salad: Drizzle about half of the prepared vinaigrette over the mixed greens in the large bowl. Toss gently to coat all the leaves.
Divide the dressed greens evenly among two serving plates.
Evenly distribute the thinly sliced apple, toasted pecan halves, and crumbled goat cheese over the greens on each plate.
Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette, if desired, and serve immediately as a light lunch or an elegant side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To prevent apple slices from browning, toss them lightly with a squeeze of lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- 2For extra crunch and flavor, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant. Let them cool completely before adding to the salad.
- 3Always dress salads just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting and becoming soggy.
- 4Experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp for sweetness or Granny Smith for a tarter contrast.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nut Swap
Substitute walnuts, candied pecans, or almonds for the regular pecans for a different texture and flavor profile.
Cheese ChangeCheese Change
Try crumbled feta cheese or blue cheese instead of goat cheese for a sharper, saltier kick.
Fruit AdditionFruit Addition
Add dried cranberries, sliced grapes, or pear slices for additional sweetness and chewiness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Apples and mixed greens provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion, promoting satiety, and contributing to gut health.
Healthy Fats
Pecans and olive oil contribute monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Vitamins & Minerals
Mixed greens are packed with essential vitamins like A, C, and K, while goat cheese offers calcium and protein for bone health and muscle repair.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to assemble and dress this salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent the apples from browning. You can prep ingredients like toasting pecans and crumbling goat cheese in advance, storing them separately.
