Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
A stunning, bistro-style apple pecan salad tossed with creamy goat cheese, toasted nuts, and a signature homemade maple balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for everyday lunches or holiday hosting!
Equipment
- 1 large platter (optional) if serving for a holiday or gathering
- 1 Whisk
- 1 small mason jar or bowl
- 1 small skillet
Ingredients
For the Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1.5 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1.5 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/3 tsp garlic powder
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For the Salad
- 7 oz mixed greens and radicchio blend
- 3 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples cored and thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup pecans roughly chopped and toasted (try Terrasoul)
- 1/3 cup pepitas pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 6 oz goat cheese crumbled
- 1/3 small red onion thinly sliced
Instructions
Make the Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- In a glass mason jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until emulsified.
Toast Pecans & Make the Salad
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and pumpkin seeds and toast for 3 to 5 minutes until aromatic, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Arrange the mixed greens and radicchio across a wide serving platter.
- Artfully layer the sliced apples, toasted pecans, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese, and red onion over the greens.
- Drizzle the maple balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad just before serving, and serve any extra dressing on the side.
Notes
- Texture & Flavor Notes: The combination of crisp, tart apples, earthy toasted Terrasoul pecans, and creamy goat cheese creates an irresistible textural contrast against the tangy-sweet maple balsamic dressing made with Bragg apple cider vinegar and pure maple syrup.
- Dietary Swaps: Easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting your favorite plant-based feta or goat cheese crumbles, or nut-free by swapping the pecans for toasted sunflower seeds.
- Finishing Touch: For an elevated hosting presentation, reserve a small handful of extra pecans and goat cheese to sprinkle right over the top just before it hits the table!