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Easy Crispy Fall Salad with Apples & Goat Cheese

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A crunchy, sweet, and tangy fall salad with crispy apples, warm toasted pecans, and creamy goat cheese. Perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and baby kale blend)
  • 2 large crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced
  • 1 cup pecan halves, raw
  • 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 small shallot, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add pecan halves and toast for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until fragrant and slightly darker. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Prep the apples: Core and slice apples into thin, bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and honey. Toss apple slices in the mixture until evenly coated.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced shallot, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Assemble the salad: Place mixed greens in a large salad bowl. Add dried cranberries and sliced red onion (if using). Pour about half the dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat. Top with dressed apples and toasted pecans (do not toss). Crumble goat cheese over everything.
  5. Serve immediately: Drizzle remaining dressing over the top right before serving. Best eaten within 30 minutes of assembly.

Notes

Dry greens completely to avoid soggy salad. Toast nuts fresh for best flavor. Slice apples just before serving. Dress lightly at first; add more as needed. Let goat cheese come to room temperature for easier crumbling. For make-ahead, store components separately and assemble just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall salad, crispy apple salad, goat cheese salad, harvest salad, Thanksgiving salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/easy-crispy-fall-salad-with-apples-and-goat-cheese/