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Candied walnuts + tart apple + creamy goat cheese = pure salad bliss.
Inspiration.
That salad is inspired by my favourite salad from Bin 4 Burger Lounge (I go on and on about it here). After eating that salad I fell in love with the combination of candied nuts, fruit and tangy cheese. So I knew I had to make a version of my own. This salad was born. I love this salad because it’s heavy on the toppings and they all lend a hand in creating the perfect texture and flavour. Serve it all on a bed of mixed greens and you’ve got one heck of a salad on your hands.
Mix it up.
Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, almonds – they’d all be delicious in this salad. Apple, strawberries, pear, mango, blackberries – I’ve tried them all and they’re all delicious in their own respect. Cranberry goat cheese (my favourite), fig goat cheese, blue cheese, feta cheese – all give that creamy, salty tang that’s required. Play with it, and find your perfect combo.
Check out the recipe video below for a tutorial on how to make this sweet and savoury salad:
Apple Walnut Salad with Goat Cheese
Ingredients
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- sea salt and pepper to taste
Candied Walnuts
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp water
- pinch sea salt
Salad
- 4 cups your favourite mixed greens
- ½ cup packed mint leaves finely chopped
- ½ apple sliced
- 1 oz your favourite goat cheese crumbled
Instructions
- To make the dressing: combine all the ingredients in a small mason jar and shake well to combine. Alternatively you can whisk the ingredients together in a bowl. Whatever works for you. Set aside.
- To make the candied walnuts: combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and place over medium heat.
- Cook for about 5-8 minutes, until all the water has evaporated and the nuts are coated, stirring often. Transfer the walnuts to a parchment lined dish and let cool completely.
- To assemble the salad, place the mixed greens of your choice in a large bowl and add the herbs, apple, cheese and walnuts.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Enjoy immediately.
