Strawberry, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecan Recipe
Strawberries, goat cheese, red onions, fresh basil & candied pecans with mixed greens tossed in tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
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Ingredients
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Salad
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Candied Pecans (if making fresh)
Method
Candied Pecans (if making fresh)
- 1
Toast and candy pecans
Line a small baking sheet with parchment. In a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tsp unsalted butter. Add 1 cup pecan halves and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar melts and coats pecans and they are fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Transfer immediately to prepared sheet in a single layer and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp fine sea salt. Let cool completely, then roughly chop to yield about 3 oz.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 2
Make the dressing
In a small bowl or jar combine 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tbsp minced shallot. Whisk to combine. Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously (or shake tightly in a jar) until the dressing is emulsified. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness (add up to 1 tsp extra honey or 1 tsp water if too sharp). Refrigerate until ready to use; whisk again before serving if separated.
Salad Assembly
- 3
Prepare produce: Hull and slice strawberries into halves or quarter them depending on size, yielding about 2 cups. Very thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion (so flavor is not overpowering). Julienne or gently tear 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves. Crumble 4 oz soft goat cheese into small pieces.
- 4
Combine greens and produce: In a large salad bowl, place 6 cups mixed salad greens. Scatter sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and the julienned basil over the greens.
- 5
Dress the salad: Drizzle approximately half of the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad (about 2–3 tbsp to start). Gently toss the greens with tongs or salad servers until ingredients are evenly coated. Add more dressing, 1 tbsp at a time, only if needed — you want a light, tangy coating.
- 6
Finish and serve: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the top, then scatter the roughly chopped candied pecans (about 3 oz). Give one gentle final toss if desired, or leave layered for presentation. Serve immediately so greens remain crisp.