Mixed Greens Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette and Candied Walnuts

My favorite salads are always a combination of sweet and tangy with a bit of a crunch. This particular medley was a perfect blend of all three! So dress up a boring salad with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette and candied walnuts that take only 5 minutes to make!

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Ingredients:

1 package of mixed greens (arugula, spring mix, and baby spinach)

1 green apple, cored and sliced into small chunks

A handful of grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

½ cup crumbled goat cheese

Combine ingredients in a large bowl and toss until evenly mixed. Cover and refrigerate while you prep your dressing and candied walnuts.

For candied walnuts:

1 ½ cups walnut halves

½ cup brown sugar

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set aside.

Combine walnuts and brown sugar in a medium sauce pan and heat over medium heat. Once the brown sugar starts to melt, stir frequently with a wooden spoon to coat the walnuts evenly.

Cook for 3-5 minutes or until all of the sugar has melted and walnuts are thoroughly coated. Remove from heat and spread out on prepared baking sheet. Break up any large clumps and set aside to dry.

For apple cider vinaigrette:

½ cup honey

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Juice from one lemon

1 large garlic clove, minced

¼ tsp ground mustard

¼ tsp fine sea salt

¼ tsp ground black pepper

1/8^th tsp cayenne pepper

¾ cup olive oil

Combine all ingredients into a large canning jar.

Screw the lid on tight and shake it like hell!

You can use right away or refrigerate.

Distribute salad into bowls, sprinkle with candied walnuts, and drizzle the apple cider vinaigrette over everything. Add a dash of salt and pepper and serve!