Fall Greens Salad with Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans

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Fall Greens Salad with Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans
Cooking and Recipes10/29/2025Broderick AdamsBroderick Adams

Why We Love This Recipe

This salad is simple yet elegant — tender greens, creamy goat cheese, and sweet, crunchy candied pecans come together in perfect balance. It’s a wonderful way to bring a little brightness to your fall table without a lot of fuss.

The goat cheese adds richness, the pecans bring just the right amount of sweetness, and the vinaigrette ties everything together with a hint of tang. It’s beautiful, nourishing, and easy to adapt to whatever greens you have on hand.

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)

  • ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta, if preferred)

  • ⅓ cup candied pecans

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the greens
Wash and dry your greens thoroughly. Add them to a large salad bowl and lightly toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper to freshen them up.

2. Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

3. Assemble the salad
Add your dressed greens to a serving platter or bowl. Top with crumbled goat cheese and candied pecans.

4. Serve and enjoy
Drizzle the dressing over the top just before serving, toss gently, and enjoy immediately.

Optional Customizations

  • Add fruit: Sliced pears, apples, or dried cranberries pair beautifully.

  • Make it hearty: Add roasted squash or sweet potatoes for a seasonal twist.

  • Try a different nut: Walnuts or pistachios can step in for pecans if you prefer.

What to Serve With This Salad

This Fall Greens Salad pairs perfectly with:

  • Roasted vegetable dishes

  • A cozy soup or stew

  • A loaf of crusty sourdough bread

Let’s See Your Creations!

We love seeing what you make with our recipes. Try this Fall Greens Salad with Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans and share your fresh creations with us:

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Happy cooking, and thank you for supporting local food and fungi!
— The Emory Market Gardens Team 🍄

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