Description
An elegant and easy-to-make spring mix salad featuring tangy goat cheese, sweet candied walnuts, and a honey-balsamic dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, this appetizer is perfect for impressing guests without the stress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 ounces spring mix (mesclun greens)
- 4–6 ounces fresh goat cheese (chèvre)
- 1 cup raw unsalted walnuts
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Toast the walnuts in a small skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then transfer to a plate.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine toasted walnuts and honey. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until honey bubbles and turns light amber.
- Pour candied walnuts onto a paper towel-lined plate to cool completely until hard and crunchy.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the spring mix greens.
- Crumble the goat cheese into bite-sized chunks.
- Just before serving, toss the greens with the dressing.
- Transfer to a platter, top with goat cheese and cooled candied walnuts, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and pepper.
Notes
Toast walnuts first to release nut oils. Watch honey closely to prevent burning. Cool walnuts completely before adding to salad to prevent wilting greens. Use flaky sea salt for texture. Do not store assembled salad; keep components separate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
Keywords: spring mix salad, goat cheese salad, candied walnuts, honey balsamic dressing, easy appetizer, 5 ingredient recipe, gluten free salad