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5.0 from 12 votes

Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Pecans

This delightful spinach salad combines tender baby spinach leaves, a flavorful vinaigrette, tangy goat cheese crumbles, and crunchy pecans. It's ready in 10 minutes!

Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 224 kcal
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dressing:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic fresh, minced
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup real or sugar-free
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Salad:
  • 5 ounces baby spinach leaves
  • ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced; 20 grams
  • ½ cup pecans halved; 60 grams
  • ½ cup goat cheese crumbled; 60 grams

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
  2. Close the lid tightly and shake the jar until the ingredients emulsify into a smooth, velvety dressing.
  3. Place the spinach leaves in a large bowl. Add the dressing and toss to coat the leaves.
  4. Arrange the coated spinach leaves on a serving platter. Scatter the red onions on top.
  5. Add the pecan halves and goat cheese crumbles, evenly spreading them on the spinach leaves.
  6. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • The pretty presentation is a big part of this salad's appeal. That's why I coat the spinach in the dressing and arrange the other ingredients on top instead of just mixing everything in a bowl.
  • Pecans are delicious raw, but you can spread them on a rimmed, parchment-lined baking sheet and toast them in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes if you wish. 
  • Acceptable substitutions include walnuts instead of pecans and crumbled feta instead of goat cheese (but goat cheese is creamier and pecans are sweeter). 
  • Turn this salad into a complete meal by topping it with a protein. Good options include hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken breast, grilled shrimp, grilled skirt steak, and baked salmon.
  • This salad should be enjoyed freshly prepared. The dressed spinach will wilt if stored. Please only make as much as you can finish right away. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 0.25recipe Calories 224kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 21g (32%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Sodium 243mg (10%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 224

% Daily Value*

Serving 0.25recipe
Calories 224kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 21g 32%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Sodium 243mg 10%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.