Momma doesn’t just enjoy any old salad. A plain Caesar salad is fine, but it isn’t going to make her happy. No, she saves her salad-love for something special, like this salad that we like to call Momma’s Favorite Salad! Fresh greens, crisp apples, tart cranberries, and creamy goat cheese get all dressed-to-impress in a sweet and tangy dressing that’s sure to amaze and astound! But then, Momma’s Favorite Salad goes the extra mile (just like Momma) with crunchy toasted pepitas for a wonderful addition! This salad is sure to become your favorite too!
Ingredients
For the pepitas topping:
- 1/4 cup pepitas (green pumpkin seeds) or raw pecans, chopped
For the apple cider vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the salad:
- 5 cups spring greens salad blend
- 1 large or 2 small Granny Smith apples, thinly chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 ounces chilled goat cheese, crumbled
Directions
Step 1 –In a medium-size skillet, toast the pepitas over medium heat, stirring frequently until they turn golden on the edges and start making little popping noises, about 4-5 minutes. If using pecans, just warm them until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2 –Transfer the pepitas to a small bowl.
Step 3 –In a cup or a jar, whisk the olive oil, the apple cider vinegar, the honey, the Dijon mustard, and the salt together until well-blended.
Step 4 –Season the dressing with the pepper.
Step 5 –Place the salad greens in a large serving bowl.
Step 6 –Top the greens with the apple slices, the cranberries, and the toasted pepitas.
Step 7 –Crumble the goat cheese over the salad.
Step 8 –Drizzle the salad with just enough of the dressing to lightly coat the leaves.
Step 9 –Gently toss the salad and serve.
