Harvest Honeycrisp and Goat Cheese Salad

Name: Harvest Honeycrisp and Goat Cheese Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 16 ounce container of spring salad mix; 4 ounces goat cheese; 1 honey crisp apple (sliced); 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled, diced and roasted, may substitute with parsnips or carrots); 1 small red onion (thinly sliced); 1 large avocado (diced); 1/4 cup pecans (raw or praline); 2 Tablespoons olive oil (for roasting); 1/2 cup olive oil; 2 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Patricia

June 23, 2023

easy

5 servings

Appetizer Dinner Lunch Soups + Salads

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The most irresistible summer salad is here.

This Harvest Honeycrisp and Goat Cheese Salad combines all the best flavors that fall has to offer. Healthy, simple and so delicious! It satisfies all your sweet and savory cravings. My husband and I have a few go-to salad recipes and let me tell you, this is on the top of that list.

Why you'll love my recipe.

Versatile

The ingredients in this recipe are easily interchangeable based on the season and readily available produce or preference. Swap out the goat cheese for feta or the apples for strawberries. The flavor combinations are truly endless.

Make ahead option

This dressing can be prepped in advanced. For optimal freshness, I recommend making it the day before but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Prep the salad portion ahead of time the day of and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How to build a salad.

We like to eat with the seasons when ingredients are in peak seasons. Some items listed in this recipe may not be readily available and that’s okay. I know it’s a lot easier to just buy a pre-made salad at your local grocery store. Building your own salad is not only more cost efficient but you can add as many toppings as you want, without the extra charge.

Choose your greens

A great salad starts with a good base. In my opinion, spring mix is the best because of its variety of textures and leaves. You find a beautiful mix of arugula, spinach, red and green romaine, endive, radicchio and other Heirloom lettuces. I know that’s only a list of greens but doesn’t it sound just lovely already?

Add vegetables

I know we all didn’t grow up loving vegetables. This recipe is versatile and works with just about any root vegetable. Don’t have sweet potato? Use parsnips, purple potato or beets. If you’re feeling fancy, use all three!

Include healthy fats

Avocado, olive oil, nuts or seeds. These healthy fats not only enhance salads but add essential nutrients.

Toss in some fruit

If you’re not a fan of mixing fruit in your salads, please let this recipe be the one to change you. It creates the perfect balance with a touch of sweetness. Trust me. Feel free to substitute the apples with pears or strawberries.

Incorporate protein

Boost your protein intake with ingredients like grilled chicken, edamame or steak for a more balanced, nutritious meal.

Dressing

When I first starting making salad at home, I didn’t realize how easy it was to make my own dressings. Don’t let fear get the best of you! Every salad dressing starts with the same base. 1 part vinegar or acid to 3 parts oil. Everything else is bonus. I almost always add Dijon mustard to every vinaigrette. I like to double my batches to have ready made vinaigrette for the week.

Looking for other side dishes?

Try some of our easy, popular side dishes that will impress your loved ones around the table:

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