Cranberry Citrus Salad with Goat Cheese & Brown Sugared Pecans
The perfect salad to make during the Christmas Holidays
Ingredients
- Mixed greens for 6 people
- 15 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 1/2 c. fresh cranberries (+2 Tbls. white sugar & 2 Tbls. water)
- 2-3 sliced green onions
- 1/2 c. pecan pieces (coated with brown sugar glaze, instructions below)
- 1/4 c. goat cheese crumbles
Dressing
- 1/4 c. olive oil
- 1/4 c. good balsamic vinegar
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- juice of 1/2 orange (about 1/4 cup)
- zest of 1/2 orange (about 1 Tbls.)
Instructions
Brown Sugared Pecans: Add pecans to a shallow fry pan and sprinkle a little brown sugar over all (I use about 1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons). Turn heat to med-high. When pan gets hot the brown sugar will melt; stir constantly to coat pecans until all the sugar is melted and the pecans are coated evenly. Remove from pan, pour out onto a small plate to cool. Transfer to an air tight container until you assemble salad.
Dressing: in a small bowl whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic, honey, juice and orange zest. Thoroughly whisk and immediately pour over the salad. Toss to coat.
**If not using right away, refrigerate until you assemble the salad for serving.
Cranberries: In a small saucepan, add the fresh cranberries along with the 2 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of white sugar. Stir and heat on medium heat until the cranberries begin to pop. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. If not using right away, transfer to a small air tight container and refrigerate until ready to assemble salad.
**I used fresh frozen cranberries. I buy them fresh in Fall and then freezer for use during the year.
To Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, oranges, onions, pecans and goat cheese crumbles. Toss to combine. Add in the cooled cranberries and toss. Pour dressing over all and lightly toss.
Serves 6
NOTE: This salad is also pretty served on a large platter. Layout the greens, top with oranges, green onions, pecans, cranberries and pecans. Just drizzle the salad dressing over all before serving