There’s something about a salad that feels both fresh and satisfying—one that’s layered with texture, flavor, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. This is exactly that kind of dish.

Crisp greens are paired with juicy bites of apple, toasted pecans, and thinly sliced red onion, creating a combination that’s bright, crunchy, and full of contrast. Topped with golden, cheese-coated rounds that are lightly crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside, it transforms a simple salad into something truly special.

It’s the kind of dish that works beautifully as a light lunch, an elegant starter, or even the centerpiece of a cozy meal—fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent in all the right ways.

Now that you can see how all of these textures and flavors come together, it’s time to recreate it at home. This recipe is simple to follow, comes together with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and delivers that perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and savory in every bite.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

2 cups mixed spring greens (use your favorite spring mix)

1/4 cup pecans (If you don’t like pecans you can substitute walnuts or any other nut)

6-8 pickled red onion slices (If you need a recipe to make pickled red onions please refer to my Greek Goddess Salad)

1 gala apple, diced

4 ounces soft goat cheese (I bought a log shaped)

1/2 teaspoons paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 cup panko

olive oil

Parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Salad dressing

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

Salt

Pepper

How to make goat cheese balls

Take apart goat cheese log and roll into 8, roughly 1″ diameter balls. Transfer to a plate and freeze for about 10-12 minutes. Take two bowls and pour olive oil into one and the other one add panko, paprika and cayenne pepper. Stir panko mixture well and set aside. Take out goat cheese balls from the freezer after they have been in there for 10-12 minutes. Place goat cheese ball in olive oil first, then lightly press in the panko mixture. Repeat this process until all the goat cheese balls are coated in panko mixture. If you are using an air fryer, put goat cheese balls in the basket and cook for 5 minutes at 350 degrees. If you are going to fry the goat cheese balls, heat a little oil in a frying pan. Make sure frying pan is hot. Fry goat cheese balls until they are browned on all sides. Once the goat cheese balls are done cooking, transfer to a plate and garnish with parsley (optional). Set aside until you assemble salad.

To assemble salad

In a small bowl make salad dressing. Stir until all ingredients are mixed well. Set dressing aside until you are ready to pour over salad. In a large salad bowl, mix together spring mix greens, pecans, apples, and pickled onions. Pour salad dressing over salad and toss well. Make sure salad is coated well in dressing. Lastly, place 4 goat cheese balls on top of salad. Enjoy!