Warm Apple, Walnut and Goat Cheese Salad

It’s known that I am not the biggest fan of salads. That goes double in the cold weather when all I crave is hot comfort food! Alas, salads are an important way of getting nutrition so I make and eat them anyway. Plus, they can sometimes be warm, comforting and pretty darn tasty! This warm apple, walnut and goat cheese salad is one of those special creations that even I love. I mean really love. It’s satisfying enough for winter without being heavy and bad for me. Best of all it was simple to make!

First, I spread my diced apple and chopped walnuts out on a lined sheet tray. I wanted them to just get toasty for about 5 minutes in the oven. When the tray came out, I let it cool for a minute before I crumbled the goat cheese on it. That allowed the goat cheese to warm up without melting!
First, I spread my diced apple and chopped walnuts out on a lined sheet tray. I wanted them to just get toasty for about 5 minutes in the oven. When the tray came out, I let it cool for a minute before I crumbled the goat cheese on it. That allowed the goat cheese to warm up without melting. Warm goat cheese is one of life’s great pleasures I tell you!
I tossed that mixture with lots of baby spinach in my salad bowl. That was all there was to putting together this incredible warm apple, walnut and goat cheese salad!
I tossed that mixture with lots of baby spinach in my salad bowl. That was all there was to putting together this incredible appetizer!
While the salad components were warming up in the oven I quickly made an incredible and simple balsamic vinaigrette. It was the perfect dressing for this warm apple, walnut and goat cheese salad!
While the salad components were warming up in the oven I quickly made an incredible and simple balsamic vinaigrette. It was the perfect dressing for the salad!

I served the salad immediately while it was still warm. That’s really the best way to serve it, it just is not as good when it’s been sitting. Let me tell you, it was a perfect bite! The sweet apples, creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts and tart vinaigrette worked together so incredibly well. I’m not making promises, but this dish may have made me a salad convert. Hope you all enjoy! xoxo

Warm Apple, Walnut and Goat Cheese Salad
Warm Apple, Walnut and Goat Cheese Salad
4 from 6 votes
Warm Apple, Walnut and Goat Cheese Salad
Warm Apple, Walnut and Goat Cheese Salad
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 

This warm apple, walnut and goat cheese salad is so simple, flavorful and perfect for Winter as an appetizer, side, or a light lunch! The easy balsamic vinaigrette is the perfect dressing for it.

Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Salad, Warm Apple, Walnut and Goat Cheese Salad
Servings: 6
Calories: 653 kcal
Author: Jeanie and Lulu's Kitchen
Ingredients
FOR THE SALAD
  • 1 whole apple cored and diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 6 ounces goat cheese crumbled
  • 2 cups baby spinach packed
FOR THE VINAIGRETTE DRESSING
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 a shallot peeled and minced
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 1/2 cups olive oil
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 and line a sheet tray with aluminum foil. Spread the diced apple and walnuts in an even, single layer on the tray and let them toast in the oven for about 5 minutes. The apples should just be a little soft and the walnuts fragrant but not burnt. When they are done let the tray cool for a minute, then add the crumbled goat cheese to it to just warm it slightly without melting it. Add the mixture to a large salad bowl with the spinach and toss it all together well.
  2. While the apple and walnuts toast up, quickly make the simple vinaigrette. Combine the balsamic, Dijon, shallot and salt together in a bowl and whisk them together well. Continue to whisk as you pour in the olive oil to bring the dressing together. This is an emulsion and after a while it will separate. That's ok, it just needs a good shake in a sealed bottle to bring it together again! Serve the salad immediately with the dressing and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
Warm Apple, Walnut and Goat Cheese Salad
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 653 Calories from Fat 603
% Daily Value*
Fat 67g103%
Saturated Fat 14.6g91%
Cholesterol 30mg10%
Sodium 193mg8%
Potassium 176mg5%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 4.7g5%
Protein 11.9g24%
Calcium 21mg2%
Iron 8mg44%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Warm Apple, Walnut and Goat Cheese Salad
Warm Apple, Walnut and Goat Cheese Salad

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4 from 6 votes (4 ratings without comment)