If there’s one dish that steals the show at every gathering, it’s Mama’s Harvest Goat Cheese & Apple Pecan Salad. This fresh, tangy, and healthy salad has become a must-have at family functions, holiday dinners, and potlucks alike. With the perfect balance of crisp apples, creamy goat cheese, and roasted pecans, it’s no wonder guests always beg us to bring it back again and again. A true crowd favorite and guaranteed pleaser, this vibrant salad proves that healthy can also be absolutely delicious.
Supply List
- Large Salad bowl
- Salad Dressing Shaker or Mason Jar
Ingredient List
- Lettuce mix of choice (we normally choose the 50/50 blend)
- Red onion
- Honey Crisp Apple
- Goat Cheese
- Pecans
- Cinnamon
- Maple Syrup
- Olive Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Maple Cinnamon Roasted Pecans
Preheat your oven to 200°F. While it’s warming up, grab a medium bowl and add:
- Pecans
- ½ cup maple syrup
- Cinnamon
Mix well until the pecans are evenly coated. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes. Once they’re done, let them cool for about 5 minutes before tossing them into your salad.
Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing
While the pecans are baking, you can prepare the dressing. In a salad shaker or mason jar, combine:
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Maple syrup
- Salt & pepper
Cover tightly and shake until fully combined. Taste, then adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed.
Step 3: Prep the Salad Base
Wash and dry your lettuce. If the leaves are extra large, give them a rough chop. Place the lettuce into a big serving bowl. Add diced red onions, chopped apples, crumbled goat cheese, and your cooled pecans right on top.
Step 4: Dress It Up & Serve
Shake your dressing one more time and drizzle your desired amount over the salad. Toss gently to combine, then serve immediately.
Optional Add-Ins
- Seasonal fruit: Blueberries, pomegranate seeds, or even pears add a fresh pop of flavor.
- Protein: Top with grilled chicken or steak to turn this into a hearty main dish.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Serves
6
Ingredients
- 4 cups lettuce
- 1/2 red onion (diced)
- 1 large honey crisp apple (diced)
- 1/2 log of goat cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup pecans
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- 1/2 cup + 2tbsp maple syrup (set 2 tbsp of this aside for the dressing)
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Printable Recipe Card
Mama’s Harvest Goat Cheese & Apple Pecan Salad
Ingredients
- For the Pecans
- 1 cup pecans
- ¼–½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- For the Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Juice of ½ of a lemon
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Salt & pepper to taste
- For the Salad
- 4 cups lettuce- 50/50 blend (washed, dried, chopped if needed)
- ½ medium red onion, diced
- 1honey crisp apples, diced
- 1 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- Maple cinnamon roasted pecans (from above)
Steps
1
Prep Pecans: Preheat oven to 200°F. In a bowl, toss pecans with maple syrup and cinnamon. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes.
2
Make Dressing: Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake until blended. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3
Assemble Salad: Add lettuce to a large bowl. Top with onions, apples, goat cheese, and cooled pecans.
4
Dress & Toss: Shake dressing again, drizzle desired amount over salad, and toss to combine. Serve fresh!
✨ Optional Toppings: Blueberries, pomegranate seeds, pears.
✨ Pro Tip: Add grilled chicken or steak for extra protein and make it a full meal.