Embrace Autumn Flavors: A Delightful Spinach Salad with Toasted Pecan Vinaigrette
This post is sponsored by Fisher Nuts, bringing you fresh, quality nuts for all your culinary adventures.
For me, the joy of a fresh, vibrant salad isn’t confined to the warmer months of spring and summer. Living in a place like Florida, where sunshine is abundant almost year-round, I find myself craving crisp greens and delightful dressings regardless of the calendar. However, even for those experiencing the crisp chill of northern winters, a well-crafted salad can be a comforting and nourishing addition to any meal. The secret lies in embracing seasonal ingredients, allowing them to inspire your creations, and pairing them with a truly exceptional homemade dressing.
A good salad is an edible canvas, ready to be adorned with whatever fresh produce catches your eye. Whether it’s the peak of a particular fruit or vegetable season or simply a craving for something specific, the possibilities are endless. There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables paired with a perfectly balanced homemade dressing or vinaigrette. This philosophy guided me in overcoming a recent “salad rut” and crafting a dish that beautifully captures the essence of autumn.
The Inspiration: Crisp Apples, Juicy Pears, and the Irresistible Pecan
My recent trip to the produce section sparked the idea for this particular creation. The vibrant display of freshly arrived fall fruits – crisp apples and succulent pears – immediately called to me. These autumnal gems, with their sweet and slightly tart notes, are a natural fit for a seasonal salad. But what truly elevates a salad bursting with these flavors? The answer, unequivocally, is pecans. Their earthy, buttery richness provides the perfect counterpoint to the fruits and greens, adding a depth of flavor and a delightful textural contrast.
While I struggle to pick an absolute favorite when it comes to nuts, I can confidently say that pecans hold a special place on my list, especially when crafting fall-inspired dishes like this salad. Their distinct flavor profile shines through, making them an indispensable ingredient. To truly unlock their potential, I developed a simple yet incredibly flavorful pecan vinaigrette using high-quality Fisher Pecan Halves. The result, as you might imagine, is an absolutely delicious nutty dressing that ties all the salad components together beautifully.
Crafting the Perfect Pecan Vinaigrette: A Flavorful Foundation
The secret to this vinaigrette’s exceptional taste lies in a simple yet impactful step: toasting the pecans. By gently toasting the Fisher Pecan Halves in a small skillet over medium heat, you intensify their natural aroma and nutty flavor. Adding these warm, fragrant pecans to the vinaigrette base allows their essence to infuse into the mixture, creating a dressing that is rich, complex, and utterly irresistible. This quick preparation step makes all the difference, transforming a good vinaigrette into an extraordinary one. While it’s the perfect complement to this autumn spinach salad, I’m already envisioning drizzling it over other roasted fall vegetables, such as sweet butternut squash or tender Brussels sprouts, for an added layer of gourmet flavor.
Print Recipe
Autumn Spinach Salad with Pecan Vinaigrette
- Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
This Autumn Spinach Salad, featuring crisp apples, juicy pears, creamy goat cheese, and a homemade toasted pecan vinaigrette, is a delightful and healthy way to celebrate the flavors of the fall season. Quick to prepare and bursting with taste, it’s perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
For the Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup light oil (I recommend grapeseed oil for its neutral flavor)
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt
- good pinch fresh ground pepper
- 1/4 cup Fisher Pecan Halves
- fresh spinach leaves (washed and dried)
- chopped apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- chopped pear (e.g., Anjou or Bartlett)
- golden raisins
- crumbled goat cheese (or feta for a tangier note)
- optional additions: thinly sliced red onion for a bite, crispy bacon bits for savory depth
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the vinaigrette. In a sealed jar or container, combine all vinaigrette ingredients EXCEPT the Fisher Pecan Halves. Shake vigorously until well emulsified and thoroughly mixed.
- Next, toast the pecans. Place the Fisher Pecan Halves in a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Be sure to watch them carefully to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove the pecans from the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
- Roughly chop the warm toasted pecans. Immediately add the chopped pecans to the prepared vinaigrette in the jar. Shake again to combine, allowing the warmth of the nuts to further infuse their flavor into the dressing.
- Assemble your salad. In a large bowl, combine fresh spinach leaves, chopped apples, chopped pears, golden raisins, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle generously with the warm pecan vinaigrette just before serving. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of autumn!
Why Choose Fisher Nuts for Your Recipes?
Many home cooks, myself included, instinctively reach for nuts when crafting a recipe. They’re a natural, wholesome addition that elevates everything from savory main courses to sweet desserts. That’s why I’m thrilled to continue my partnership with Fisher Nuts, a brand synonymous with quality and freshness. Fisher Nuts are committed to providing consumers with high-quality nuts that are carefully sourced and prepared, ensuring that you get the best flavor and texture in every bite. Their pecans, used in this vinaigrette, are a testament to this commitment – delivering that perfect buttery crunch and rich taste that enhances any dish.
For the next several months, I’ll be developing more delicious recipes featuring Fisher Nuts, and I’m excited to share their newly launched My Fresh Twist recipe contest with all of you. This is an incredible opportunity for all aspiring and seasoned home chefs to showcase their creativity!
Unleash Your Culinary Creativity: Join the “My Fresh Twist” Recipe Contest!
Are you ready to put your culinary skills to the test? From now until October 22nd, you have the chance to submit your original recipes featuring nuts for Fisher Nuts’ “My Fresh Twist” contest. Imagine the possibilities: a unique twist on a classic dessert, an innovative savory dish, or perhaps an entirely new creation where nuts take center stage. This isn’t just about sharing a recipe; it’s about a chance to win an unforgettable experience!
The grand prize is truly extraordinary: a trip for two to New York City to meet the acclaimed Chef Alex Guarnaschelli! Imagine the inspiration and culinary insights you could gain from such an encounter. This contest is a fantastic way to celebrate the versatility of nuts and perhaps discover your next signature dish. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to share your passion for cooking and potentially embark on a culinary adventure.
For more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and inspiration, be sure to follow Fisher Nuts on their social media channels. You can find them on Facebook and Pinterest. And, of course, explore their extensive recipe page on their website, where you’ll discover countless ways to incorporate the wholesome goodness of nuts into your everyday meals and special occasions. Remember to use the hashtag #ThinkFisher when sharing your nutty creations!
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Disclosure: I am honored to be sharing this recipe and contest information with you on behalf of Fisher Nuts as a product ambassador. All opinions expressed are my own, and I genuinely believe in the quality and value of Fisher Nuts products!