Mixed Green Salad with Pecans, Goat Cheese, and Honey Mustard Vinaigrette


Mixed Green Salad with Pecans

For the last couple of years, my neighbor Molly has been bringing this salad to our neighborhood potluck parties, and every time I go completely zonkers over it. The basic elements are mixed greens with pecans and goat cheese, tossed with a sweet mustard vinaigrette. The recipe has plenty of room for improvisation—use baby spinach or butter lettuce instead of or in addition to the mixed greens, orange segments or sliced kumquats for a citrus note, toasted walnuts instead of pecans, etc. Use more or less of any ingredient to taste.

Mixed Green Salad with Pecans Goat Cheese Honey Mustard Vinaigrette


Mixed Green Salad with Pecans, Goat Cheese, and Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe

If making in advance for a party, do not add the dressing until you are ready to serve. The recipe makes more salad dressing than is required for the salad.

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces whole pecans
  • 1 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp honey mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb mixed salad greens, including fresh baby spinach
  • 4 ounces goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
  • 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1-2 inch thin slices


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