Apple and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe

Name: Apple and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 large egg white; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1/2 pound pecan halves (about 2 cups); 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon orange zest; 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice; 3 Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced; 10 ounces winter greens (such as arugula or kale); 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper; 1/2 pound goat cheese, crumbled (about 2 cups); 2 tablespoons good-quality aged balsamic vinegar

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Whip up a salad full of delicious surprises like smoky candied pecans and a bit of orange zest and allspice in the vinaigrette. We used Granny Smith apples, but your favorite variety will work also. Almost two full cups of creamy goat cheese makes a savory addition to this hearty salad. The greens are dressed with a vinaigrette of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, orange zest, and ground allspice. After tossing the greens, drizzle with two tablespoons good-quality aged balsamic vinegar just before serving. While the assembly of this salad is relatively quick, preparing the candied pecans will take some time. Whisk egg white and sugar in a bowl until it's frothy. Then, add pecans paprika, and salt. You'll spread this mixture on a baking sheet and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. It will have to cool for another 30 minutes before they'll be ready to add to the salad.

By Southern Living Editors

Published on January 13, 2017

Apple and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans — Photo: Sheri Giblin

Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Yield:

Serves 8 (serving size: about 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients

CANDIED PECANS

1 large egg white
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 pound pecan halves (about 2 cups)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

VINAIGRETTE

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon orange zest
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

SALAD

3 Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced
10 ounces winter greens (such as arugula or kale)
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/2 pound goat cheese, crumbled (about 2 cups)
2 tablespoons good-quality aged balsamic vinegar

Directions

Prepare the Candied Pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together egg white and sugar in a bowl until light and frothy. Add pecans, paprika, and salt, and stir until pecans are completely coated. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until pecans are slightly toasted but still moist, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove pecans from baking sheet, and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Prepare the Vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, orange zest, and allspice until combined.
Prepare the Salad: Toss together apples, greens, and onion in a large serving bowl; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle salad with Vinaigrette, and gently toss. Top with crumbled goat cheese and Candied Pecans. Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar just before serving.