Description
This Simple Salad with Goat Cheese and Cranberries is a fresh and tangy salad featuring creamy goat cheese and sweet dried cranberries. It’s a quick and easy side dish that’s perfectly balanced with crunchy nuts and a light balsamic vinaigrette, ready in just 10 minutes to complement any meal.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, spring mix, or arugula)
- ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds or pecans
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Vinaigrette:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries, sliced almonds or pecans, and thinly sliced red onion (if using) to a large salad bowl.
- Prepare Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to evenly coat the greens and toppings with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and texture. Enjoy this easy and delicious salad as a side dish or light meal.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add sliced avocado to the salad.
- To enhance the crunchiness of the nuts, toast them lightly in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes before adding.
- Make the salad dairy-free by substituting vegan goat cheese or omitting the cheese altogether.
- To make it a heartier entrée, add grilled chicken on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
