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Crispy Harvest Apple & Goat Cheese Salad

Crispy Harvest Apple & Goat Cheese Salad - featured image
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A quick and elegant autumn salad featuring massaged kale, crisp apples, tangy goat cheese, and homemade candied pecans, all tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups massaged kale or baby spinach
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
  • 4 oz fresh goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup raw pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the greens: If using kale, remove stems, chop leaves, and massage with 1 teaspoon olive oil for 1 minute until tender. If using spinach, rinse and dry.
  2. Make the candied pecans: In a small skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir constantly for 5-7 minutes until nuts are coated and mixture is bubbly. Spread on parchment paper to cool and harden.
  3. Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic until emulsified.
  4. Prep apples and cheese: Slice apples thinly and crumble goat cheese into small bits.
  5. Assemble the salad: Add apples and dried cranberries to the greens. Pour three-quarters of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  6. Serve: Break cooled candied pecans into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle with goat cheese and pecans. Drizzle with remaining dressing if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Massage kale to tenderize it. Control heat when making candied pecans to prevent burning sugar. Apples may brown; toss with lemon juice if needed. Store candied pecans in an airtight container for up to a week. Do not reheat the salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: harvest salad, apple salad, goat cheese salad, candied pecans, kale salad, fall recipe, healthy salad, balsamic vinaigrette

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/crispy-harvest-apple-and-goat-cheese-salad-easy-5-step-recipe/