ChezCindy: Salad Greens with Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans

 

This delicious salad with goat cheese, candied pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette is loved by many and is easy to create in your own home.  Delicious for your buffet table at this holiday time of year or throughout the year for most events with family and friends.  I encourage you to make the vinaigrette instead of store-bought as it makes a huge difference for all of your salads.  The key ingredients needed for the salad and dressing can be found in most supermarkets ready for you to combine and serve.  

 

Salad Greens with Goat Cheese, Candied Pecans and Balsamic Dressing

For the Salad:
10 ounces mixed salad greens
4 ounces goat cheese
2/3 cup dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherries
1 cup of candied pecans, homemade or store-bought
1/4 cup fresh herbs, such as basil, mint, and/or parsley
 
For the Dressing:
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
 
Add the balsamic vinegar, Dijon, honey, and salt to a medium bowl.  Whisk together to combine.  Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to create a smooth emulsion.  Taste for seasoning.
 
Place the salad greens into a large bowl.  Add about 1/3 cup of the dressing to the greens, tossing well to combine.  Transfer the greens to a large serving platter.  Crumble the goat cheese over the greens, scatter the dried fruit and the pecans, the sprinkle on the fresh herbs.  Drizzle with additional dressing.