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Quick Fall Harvest Salad with Apples, Pecans & Goat Cheese

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A quick and easy fall salad with crisp apples, toasted pecans, creamy goat cheese, and a simple maple dressing. Perfect for weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups mixed greens (120g)
  • 1 large apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped (60g)
  • 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled (75g)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (30g)
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (45ml)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (22ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Place the chopped pecans in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and deepened in color. Remove from pan immediately.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until emulsified and slightly thickened.
  3. Prep the apple and onion: Thinly slice the apple (no need to peel). Thinly slice the red onion. If sensitive to raw onion, soak slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  4. Assemble the salad base: Place mixed greens in a large mixing bowl. Add sliced apple, toasted pecans, crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries, and sliced red onion. Drizzle about three-quarters of the dressing over the top.
  5. Toss gently: Using hands or salad tongs, toss until everything is evenly coated. Greens should be lightly glistening, not soggy. Add more dressing if needed.
  6. Serve immediately: Divide between plates or serve family-style. Finish with a crack of fresh black pepper and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

Toast pecans just until fragrant to avoid burning. Dry greens thoroughly for best dressing adherence. Add goat cheese last to keep it distinct. Slice apples right before serving to prevent browning. Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall harvest salad, apple pecan salad, quick salad, goat cheese salad, maple dressing, weeknight salad

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/quick-fall-harvest-salad-with-apples-pecans-and-goat-cheese/