Pin it A festive and flavorful salad featuring crisp greens, gingerbread spiced candied pecans, tangy goat cheese, and a maple-balsamic vinaigrette—perfect for holiday gatherings or a winter treat.
This salad quickly became a holiday favorite in my family thanks to its delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
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Ingredients
- Gingerbread Spiced Candied Pecans: 1 cup pecan halves, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, pinch of salt, 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salad: 5 oz (140 g) mixed baby greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix), 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese, 1 medium apple thinly sliced
- Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp pure maple syrup, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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Instructions
- Prepare the candied pecans:
- In a nonstick skillet over medium heat melt the butter. Add the pecans and toast for 2 3 minutes stirring often.
- Add sugars and spices:
- Add both sugars cinnamon ginger cloves nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly for 2 3 minutes until the pecans are evenly coated and the sugars have melted.
- Cool pecans:
- Transfer the candied pecans to a parchment-lined plate to cool and harden.
- Make vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil balsamic vinegar maple syrup Dijon mustard salt and pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble salad:
- In a large bowl combine the greens red onion dried cranberries apple slices and goat cheese. Add the cooled candied pecans.
- Serve:
- Drizzle with the vinaigrette just before serving and toss lightly to combine. Serve immediately.
Pin it My family gathers every holiday to enjoy this salad along with other festive dishes, making our celebrations even more special.
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Required Tools
Nonstick skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, salad serving utensils, knife and cutting board are essential for preparing this recipe smoothly.
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (pecans) and dairy (goat cheese). Check all ingredient labels for potential gluten or allergen cross-contamination if serving to those with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 330, Total Fat 24 g, Carbohydrates 26 g, Protein 6 g.
Pin it 
This salad delivers a unique holiday flavor in just 30 minutes, perfect for impressing your guests with minimal fuss.
