Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary masterpiece that transforms your entire meal experience. The Cherry Pecan Goat Cheese Salad is a tantalizing blend of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors that will instantly elevate your dining game. In just 10 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that looks stunning, tastes incredible, and leaves everyone asking, "What's your secret?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups spinach or mixed greens
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the spinach or mixed greens under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Spin them dry in a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Next, wash the cherries thoroughly. Remove the pits and cut each cherry in half. Set the halved cherries aside in a small bowl.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You’ll know they are done when they become fragrant and slightly darker in color. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach or mixed greens with the halved cherries and toasted pecans.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the salad mixture.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with half of the vinaigrette and toss gently to combine, adding more dressing to taste if desired.
- Once everything is well mixed, serve the salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. Enjoy your Cherry Pecan Goat Cheese Salad!
Tips
- Fresh is Best: Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Ripe cherries and crisp greens make a significant difference in the final taste.
- Toasting Pecans: Watch your pecans carefully while toasting. They can burn quickly, so stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as they become fragrant.
- Cheese Temperature: Let the goat cheese sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before crumbling for easier handling and better flavor distribution.
- Dressing Technique: Add vinaigrette gradually and toss gently to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated without becoming soggy.
- Serving Tip: Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the salad's fresh, crisp texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
