Description
A vibrant and flavorful Cherry, Pecan & Goat Cheese Salad featuring fresh greens, dried cherries, crunchy pecans, and creamy goat cheese, tossed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette dressing. This refreshing salad balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, perfect as a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 10 ounces fresh greens
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 5 ounces goat cheese
- 3–4 sliced green onions
Dressing
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the fresh greens, dried cherries, chopped pecans, goat cheese, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly without breaking up the goat cheese.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced red onion, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, sugar, and pepper until the dressing is well emulsified.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly but gently to coat all ingredients with the dressing evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh texture and flavors, or chill briefly before serving if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh goat cheese with feta if preferred.
- For a crunchier texture, toast the pecans lightly before adding.
- Adjust sweetness in the dressing by modifying the sugar amount based on taste.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- To make it vegan, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cherry salad, pecan salad, goat cheese salad, balsamic dressing, fresh greens, healthy salad, vegetarian recipe
