Cranberry Goat Cheese Pecan: Divine 10-Minute Salad

Cranberry goat cheese pecan salad has become my go-to for adding a touch of elegance to any meal, and I’m so excited to share it with you. I still remember the first time I tasted it at a friend’s holiday gathering; the blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors was absolutely divine, and the crunch from the pecans was perfection. It’s such a simple recipe, and learning how to make cranberry goat cheese pecans yourself is incredibly rewarding. This salad’s vibrant colors and delicious aroma will fill your kitchen with festive cheer. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Goat Cheese Pecan Salad

This isn’t just any salad; it’s a flavor explosion that’s incredibly easy to love:

• Incredible Taste: The sweet cranberries, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans create a delightful flavor profile.
• Quick Prep: You can whip up this salad in just 10 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with fresh greens and wholesome ingredients, it’s a guilt-free option.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common ingredients that won’t break the bank, making it a great value.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will enjoy the sweet and savory combination.
• Versatile Appetizer: It’s a fantastic cranberry goat cheese pecan appetizer for parties.
• Elegant Presentation: Makes a beautiful cranberry goat cheese pecan appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Pecan Salad Ingredients

Gathering the right cranberry goat cheese pecan ingredients is key to this delightful salad. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cups Baby Mixed Greens – the crisp base of our salad
• 1/4 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced – adds a sharp bite
• 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries – for that essential sweet and tart flavor
• 1/4 cup Candied Pecans or Walnuts – provides a lovely crunch and sweetness
• 2 oz Soft Goat Cheese, crumbled – the creamy, tangy star of the show

For the maple balsamic dressing, you’ll combine:

• 1 tsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – a healthy fat for the dressing
• 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar – for that signature tang
• 1.5 tbsp Mayonnaise – adds creaminess and body to the dressing
• 1/2 tbsp Pure Maple Syrup – a touch of natural sweetness
• 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt – to enhance all the flavors
• Black Pepper to taste – for a hint of spice

How to Make Cranberry Goat Cheese Pecans

Creating this delightful cranberry goat cheese pecan recipe is a breeze, and I’ll walk you through every step to ensure perfection. It’s one of those recipes where the process is almost as enjoyable as the final dish!

1. Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

   In a medium-sized bowl, start by whisking together the 1 tsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar, 1.5 tbsp Mayonnaise, and 1/2 tbsp Pure Maple Syrup. Add the 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt and a generous pinch of black pepper. Whisk everything vigorously until the dressing is beautifully smooth and emulsified. The aroma of the balsamic and maple is the first hint of the deliciousness to come in this cranberry goat cheese pecan recipe.

2. Step 2: Dress the Greens

   Take your large mixing bowl and add the 4 cups Baby Mixed Greens. Pour the prepared dressing over the greens. Using salad tongs, gently toss the greens until they are evenly coated with the dressing. You want each leaf to have a light sheen, ensuring a burst of flavor with every bite. Avoid over-tossing, as this can bruise the delicate greens.

3. Step 3: Add the Toppings

   Now, sprinkle the 1/4 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced, over the dressed greens. Follow this with the 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries, which add a lovely chewy sweetness, and the 1/4 cup Candied Pecans or Walnuts for that essential crunch. These additions are what make this salad so special and a fantastic example of a thoughtful cranberry goat cheese pecan recipe.

4. Step 4: Crumble the Goat Cheese

   Gently crumble the 2 oz Soft Goat Cheese over the top of the salad. The creamy, tangy goat cheese melts slightly into the warm greens, creating pockets of delightful flavor. Give everything one last gentle toss to distribute the cheese and toppings evenly. This step truly brings the whole salad together.

5. Step 5: Serve Immediately

   Divide the finished cranberry goat cheese pecan salad into two serving bowls or plates. For the best experience, serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the greens and the perfect balance of flavors. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, showcasing the vibrant colors and textures.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Goat Cheese Pecan Salad

Want to elevate your salad game? Follow these simple tips for a truly spectacular cranberry goat cheese pecan salad experience:

• Chill Your Ingredients: For an extra refreshing salad, make sure your greens, onion, and goat cheese are well-chilled before assembling.
• Toast Your Nuts: While candied pecans are great, toasting plain pecans or walnuts for a few minutes in a dry skillet before adding them really amps up their flavor and crunch.
• Dress Just Before Serving: To keep your greens perfectly crisp and prevent wilting, always toss the salad with the dressing right before you plan to eat it.
• Adjust Sweetness: If your dried cranberries are very sweet, you might want to slightly reduce the maple syrup in the dressing.

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Goat Cheese Pecan Salad?

The magic lies in the balance of textures and flavors – the creamy tang of goat cheese, the sweet-tart pop of cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of pecans. This creates a complex yet harmonious cranberry goat cheese pecan flavor profile.

Can I make Cranberry Goat Cheese Pecan Salad ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead! Store the greens, toppings, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Goat Cheese Pecan Salad?

A common pitfall is over-dressing the salad, which can make the greens soggy. Another mistake is not crumbling the goat cheese finely enough; smaller crumbles distribute the creamy flavor more evenly.

What to Serve with Cranberry Goat Cheese Pecans

This delightful cranberry goat cheese pecan salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. For a light yet satisfying meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or salmon. The protein complements the salad’s fresh flavors perfectly. Another fantastic cranberry goat cheese pecan pairing is with a hearty soup, like a creamy tomato or butternut squash soup, especially on a cooler evening. These combinations create a well-rounded and delicious dining experience that highlights the unique taste of the cranberries, goat cheese, and pecans.

Nutrition Facts for Cranberry Goat Cheese Pecan Salad

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of this delicious cranberry goat cheese pecan salad:

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 200 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy recipes, check out our recipes section.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Goat Cheese Pecan Salad

Proper storage is key to enjoying this delightful cranberry goat cheese pecan salad, especially if you’ve made a larger batch or want to prep components ahead. Once assembled, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to handle them. For any remaining goat cheese cranberry pecan spread (if you’ve made it as a separate dish or have extra salad), or the salad itself, allow it to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container. Refrigerated, the salad should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, though the greens may lose some crispness. While not ideal for freezing, if you must, wrap components separately and freeze for up to 3 months, thawing carefully. Reheating is generally not recommended for the salad itself; instead, enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. If you’re storing components separately, you can easily reassemble and dress a fresh portion when needed. For more tips on food storage, you can refer to resources like the FoodSafety.gov website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Goat Cheese Pecan Salad

What are the best cranberry goat cheese pecan combinations for this salad?

The beauty of this salad is its inherent harmony, but for further exploration, consider adding sliced apples for extra crunch and a different kind of sweetness, or perhaps some toasted pumpkin seeds for a nuttier flavor. These simple additions enhance the existing cranberry goat cheese pecan combinations beautifully.

Can I substitute the goat cheese in this salad?

Absolutely! While goat cheese offers a unique tangy creaminess, feta cheese can provide a similar salty bite, or a mild blue cheese can offer a bolder flavor if you enjoy that. For a dairy-free option, a creamy cashew-based cheese would work well.

How do the dried cranberries and pecans complement the goat cheese?

The dried cranberries offer a burst of sweet-tart chewiness that cuts through the rich, creamy tang of the goat cheese. The pecans provide a delightful crunch and a subtle, nutty earthiness, creating a wonderful textural contrast and flavor balance in every bite.

Is this salad suitable for a holiday meal?

Definitely! The festive colors of the cranberries and the rich flavors make this cranberry goat cheese pecan salad a perfect addition to any holiday table. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for everyday enjoyment. For other holiday favorites, check out our Indian Butter Chicken recipe.

Variations of Cranberry Goat Cheese Pecan Salad You Can Try

This cranberry goat cheese pecan salad is fantastic as is, but I love experimenting to create new flavor adventures. Here are a few of my favorite cranberry goat cheese pecan dish ideas to mix things up:

• For a Heartier Meal: Add grilled chicken breast or shrimp to make it a complete main course. The protein really complements the salad’s flavors.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap the goat cheese for a creamy dairy-free feta or a dollop of cashew cream cheese. It keeps the tangy richness without the dairy.
• Warm & Cozy Twist: For a warm salad, lightly sauté the greens for just a minute before tossing, or serve it alongside warm roasted vegetables.
• Fruity Addition: Toss in some sliced fuji apples or pear segments for an extra layer of sweetness and a different kind of crispness.

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