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Best Easy Fall Harvest Salad with Apples and Goat Cheese

fall harvest salad with apples and goat cheese - featured image
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A crisp, tangy, and sweet fall salad that comes together in under 15 minutes. This simple recipe features mixed greens, Honeycrisp apples, creamy goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a tangy maple-Dijon vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach and arugula blend recommended)
  • 1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced (Fuji or Gala work well; leave peel on)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Place pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, shaking frequently, until fragrant and slightly darkened. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Make the dressing: In a mason jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Prep the apple and onion: Slice apple into thin half-moons. Slice red onion as thinly as possible. (Optional: soak onion slices in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite.)
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apple, toasted pecans, dried cranberries (if using), and red onion. Drizzle with half the dressing.
  5. Toss gently: Use salad servers or clean hands to toss until evenly coated. Add more dressing as needed.
  6. Add goat cheese: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the top. Do not toss again.
  7. Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls.

Notes

Toast pecans carefully as they burn quickly. Dress greens lightly; you can always add more dressing. Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning. Let goat cheese come to room temperature for easier crumbling. Use your hands to toss for even coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall harvest salad, apple goat cheese salad, easy fall salad, maple dijon vinaigrette, quick salad recipe

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