This Cherry Pecan Goat Cheese Salad is a refreshingly beautiful side dish, filled with rich holiday flavors. Fresh greens topped with dried cherries, pecans, goat cheese, green onions, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
Having three kids is fascinating, to say the least. And the fact that they are all girls is even more fascinating! In some ways, they are all pretty typical little girls. They love drawing and painting and dressing up and playing baby and having dance parties…..and emotions run high, nearly all the time. But in other ways, I am sometimes amazed at how much they remind me of little boys! They love running and chasing and wrestling and potty talk….especially potty talk…..and, given the chance to play firefighter or police officer, they’ll take it every time!
One of the other things that’s fascinating about having 3 girls? How different they all are from one another. Tonight we have parent teacher conferences for the older two, and I can’t wait to see what their second grade and kindergarten teachers have to say about them. There are obvious differences we see at home – Ellia lets all her feelings out, Greta keeps them in until she has a meltdown; Ellia wants a constant playmate, Greta is much better at playing on her own – but I always wonder if or how those things translate to who they are at school. I guess we will find out at least a little bit tonight!
Between the two of them, I definitely find it easier to relate to Ellia. We’re more alike in more ways! (As for Nora, I’m still trying to convince myself that her current level of sassiness is just because she’s 2….not because it’s indicative of who she’ll turn out to be…..) Greta definitely picks up on the fact that she’s somewhat of a mystery to me, and the other day, actually said out of the blue, “Mommy doesn’t understand me.” And although she said it to be silly, with a little smile on her face, there is truth to it! There is a lot about her that I don’t totally understand! That said, I want her to feel free to be herself, whether I understand it or not. Parenting – no one ever said it was easy.
But you know what IS easy? This Cherry Pecan Goat Cheese Salad! It couldn’t be easier, in fact….and the payoff is huge. Kinda like parenting….minus the easy part. 🙂
Cherry, Pecan & Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 10 ounces fresh greens
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 5 ounces goat cheese
- 3-4 sliced green onions
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix dressing; drizzle on salad and toss.
Nutrition
Catherine says
Dear Cathy, I remember those days…sometimes I wish my kids were young again. A part of me misses all the tea parties and running around at the park, but I’m blessed and so proud of the people my kids have grown into. Those days are beautiful but not at all easy, I agree! Best of luck tonight. This salad though looks refreshing and delicious. Blessings, Catherine xo
Jessica @ Barefoot by the Sea says
Hi Cathy – it is difficult at times, sometimes I feel like I’m going to pull my hair out but, baby steps! Thanks for this delicious salad recipe. I need something to keep me in check throughout the holiday months! This will be a go to!
oopsiemaizie says
this looks delicious… i would love to add this as our salad for thanksgiving this year… thanks for sharing!
Holly Lefevre (504 Main) says
What a yummy combination…of course you had me at goat cheese!
Standa says
Looks a bit dry. Do you need a little sauce? Cathy? 🙂
Cathy Trochelman says
There is a dressing recipe attached!
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Judy Orent says
I’m looking for a Fall salad to take to a potluck. I have some dried blueberries and think this may work to substitute for cherries. Approx. how many would this recipe serve as a side? Debating to double or triple it. Thanks!