Description
A quick and elegant side salad featuring crisp spring mix, tangy goat cheese, and sweet candied walnuts, ready in just 5 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 ounces spring mix (mesclun greens)
- 4 ounces goat cheese log (chèvre)
- 1 cup walnuts (halves or pieces)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dump the spring mix into a large mixing bowl. If wet, shake dry or spin to remove excess moisture. Toss lightly to fluff.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add butter and melt until foaming.
- Add brown sugar and cinnamon to the skillet. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until sugar melts and bubbles.
- Add walnuts and toss to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until walnuts are coated and sugar caramelizes slightly.
- Remove walnuts from heat and pour onto a plate lined with parchment paper. Let cool completely until hardened.
- Crumble the goat cheese over the spring mix.
- Break cooled candied walnuts into smaller pieces and sprinkle over the salad.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately with a final crack of black pepper.
Notes
Ensure walnuts cool completely before adding to the salad to prevent melting the cheese. Store components separately in the refrigerator; do not dress the salad ahead of time as it will become soggy. Candied walnuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: spring mix salad, goat cheese salad, candied walnuts, quick side dish, 5 minute recipe, easy salad, healthy side, weeknight dinner