Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your lunch routine with this mouthwatering Simple Salad with Goat Cheese and Cranberries! In just 10 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's bursting with flavor, texture, and pure culinary magic. This isn't just a salad - it's a gourmet experience that will make your taste buds dance and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 cups of mixed greens, 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/4 cup of chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Once washed, gently spin them dry in a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- In a large salad bowl, add the washed mixed greens. Ensure they are evenly spread out to create a base for your salad.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the mixed greens. The creamy texture of the goat cheese will add richness to the salad.
- Add the dried cranberries to the bowl. Their sweet and tart flavor will complement the creaminess of the goat cheese beautifully.
- Next, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the salad. These will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whisk or shake well until the ingredients are fully emulsified.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad, ensuring an even coating. You can adjust the amount of dressing according to your taste preference.
- Gently toss the salad using salad tongs or two large forks. Be careful not to break the goat cheese as you mix the ingredients together.
- Once everything is well combined, serve the salad immediately on two plates or in individual bowls. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Simple Salad with Goat Cheese and Cranberries!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Greens: Select high-quality, crisp mixed greens for the best flavor and texture. Farmer's market or organic greens work wonderfully.
- Cheese Temperature Matters: Let goat cheese sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before crumbling to enhance its creamy texture.
- Toast Your Pecans: For an extra flavor boost, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the salad.
- Dressing Technique: Always add dressing just before serving to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to experiment by adding grilled chicken or swapping pecans for almonds to make the recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
