Honey Pecan & Goat Cheese Salad

Name: Honey Pecan & Goat Cheese Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon honey, divided; 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg, beaten; 3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs; 8 ounces fresh goat cheese; 4 cups spring mix salad greens

I once made this salad for my wife and son—who loves goat cheese—while our homemade pizza was baking. One of my dreams is to own a herd of goats and make cheese, but when I talk about it with my wife, the result is major eye rolls! —Greg Fontenot The Woodlands, Texas

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon honey, divided
1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
8 ounces fresh goat cheese
4 cups spring mix salad greens

Directions

In a shallow microwave-safe dish, combine pecans and 2 teaspoons honey; microwave, uncovered, on high 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until toasted, stirring twice. Immediately transfer to waxed paper-lined baking sheet to cool.
For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup oil, vinegar, remaining honey, salt and pepper; set aside.
Place flour, egg and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Shape cheese into eight balls; flatten slightly. Coat cheese with flour, then dip in egg and coat with bread crumbs.
Heat remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-hight heat. Fry cheese 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Divide salad greens among four plates; top with cheese. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with honey pecans.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 570 calories, 47g fat (10g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 763mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.

Originally published as Breaded Goat Cheese with Honey Pecan Salad in Taste of Home June/July 2011

Reviews

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Average Rating:

admiller

Dec 13, 2011

Excellent salad. I added Pomegranetes to this salad and it was really good.
rhissong

Sep 28, 2011

It was so good, especially with garlic and chives in the goat cheese! A keeper for sure..