Description
This vibrant Winter Salad with Tangy Homemade Vinaigrette combines fresh mixed greens, crisp apple slices, sweet pomegranate seeds, crunchy candied pecans, and creamy goat cheese, drizzled with a zesty and slightly sweet vinaigrette. It’s a quick, refreshing, and nutrient-packed salad perfect for a light lunch or a festive side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/3 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Homemade Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. Thinly slice the apple and red onion. Crumble the goat cheese or feta cheese. Set aside the pomegranate seeds and candied nuts.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apple, pomegranate seeds, candied pecans or walnuts, crumbled cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle the homemade vinaigrette over the salad.
- Serve: Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the vinaigrette. Serve immediately for the freshest flavors and best texture.
Notes
- Use seasonal apples like Gala or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Candied pecans can be store-bought or made at home by roasting nuts with sugar and a pinch of salt.
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup and use vegan cheese or omit cheese entirely.
- To make the salad gluten-free, confirm that candied nuts and mustard are gluten-free brands.
- The salad is best served fresh but can be prepped in advance by keeping the vinaigrette separate and adding just before serving.
