Spring Greens With Beets and Goat Cheese

Submitted by PaulaG

"This is a winning recipe that was printed in the April/May 2009 Taste of Home. It is credited to Kristin Lossak of Bozzman, MT. I have not used the goat cheese but have made this several times using crumbled feta. When adding the cheese, I don't measure but give a nice sprinkling. The dressing makes it all come together."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 2⁄3 pecan halves
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, divided
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1 (5 ounce) package mixed baby lettuces and spring greens
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can sliced beets, drained
• 1 cup crumbled goat cheese, or
• 1 cup crembled feta cheese

directions

1. In a small bowl toss together the pecans, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and water; add to a warmed heavy skillet and heat until nuts are toasted, about 4 minutes.
2. Sprinkle the toasted pecans with sugar and continue to cook and stir for 2 to 4 minutes or until sugar melts; spread on foil lined pan to cool.
3. In a medium size bowl combine the syrup, mustard, salt and remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar; whisk in the olive oil until thoroughly incorporated.
4. In a large salad bowl add the salad greens, beets and goat cheese, sprinkle with cooled pecans, drizzle with salad dressing, toss lightly and serve on chilled salad plates.
5. Any remaining dressing keeps well for a few days in the refirgerator.

Reviews

[rosslare]

Great salad! I added 2 tablespoons balsamico to the dressing, just to give little more zing.

 

[*Parsley*]

Excellent salad. I just loved those toasted and sugared pecans! The dressing was really wonderful, too. I used the goat cheese because I love it with beets. I did add some onions, but that's all I did differently. Thanx for sharing this awesome salad!

 

[Sharon123]

Loved this salad! I used the last of my little beets from the garden and feta cheese. All so good together, I will make again. Thanks Paula! Made for the Diabetic party!

 

[French Tart]

This IS a winning recipe Paula! It has all my favourite ingredients and I absolutley loved this when I had it for lunch yesterday. I adjusted the quantities for one, I am by myself at the moment, and enjoyed this on the terrace in the garden. I used local cabecou goat's cheese and no feta, as I did not have any. The crunchiness of the pecans against the salad was superb. I used Mache, French Lamb's Lettuce leaves and thought the dressing was just the right acidity with sweetness. Made for the Summer Salad Shots event in the Photo Forum and also for Aussie/NZ Recipe Swap #29. Merci Paula! FT:-)