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Fresh Spring Mix Salad Recipe with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese

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A quick and easy fresh spring mix salad featuring candied pecans and creamy goat cheese, balanced with a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for light lunches or as a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups spring mix greens (about 150g), washed and dried
  • 1 cup pecans (about 120g), halves or pieces
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 ounces goat cheese (about 113g), crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Candy the Pecans: Place 1 cup pecans and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. After about 3-5 minutes, the sugar will melt and coat the pecans in a glossy caramel. Keep stirring to prevent burning. When evenly coated and fragrant, transfer pecans to parchment paper to cool.
  2. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small jar or bowl, combine 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
  3. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, place about 5 cups of washed and dried spring mix greens. Optionally add baby arugula or spinach for more bite.
  4. Toss the Salad: Drizzle about half of the vinaigrette over the greens and toss gently to coat. Add more dressing as desired, but avoid overdressing.
  5. Add Goat Cheese and Candied Pecans: Sprinkle 4 ounces of crumbled goat cheese evenly over the salad. Scatter the candied pecans on top.
  6. Final Touches: Give the salad one last gentle toss just before serving to distribute the cheese and nuts without breaking them down.

Notes

Keep heat medium and stir constantly when candying pecans to avoid burning. Shake vinaigrette in a jar for easy emulsification. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising greens or breaking goat cheese. Store candied pecans separately for up to 3 days to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring mix salad, candied pecans, goat cheese, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, homemade vinaigrette, quick lunch, healthy salad

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/fresh-spring-mix-salad-recipe-with-candied-pecans-and-goat-cheese-easy-homemade-delight/