Mixed Green Salad with Pecans, Goat Cheese, and Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe

[ridhisheth]

INGREDIENTS
4 ounces pecans, whole
1 Tbsp melted butter
1 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp honey mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb mixed salad greens, including fresh baby spinach
4 ounces goat cheese
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1-2 inch thin slices
METHOD
1 Preheat oven to 300°F. Place pecans in a bowl, pour melted butter over them, sprinkle with sugar, and gently toss until the pecans are all well coated with a dusting of sugar. Place them in a single layer on a parchment paper or Silpat lined cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool to touch.
2 Whisk together the honey mustard, garlic, red pepper flakes, and balsamic vinegar in a medium sized bowl. Slowly drizzle the oil into the mixture, whisking constantly until completely incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3 Place lettuces and baby spinach in a large bowl. Add the goat cheese, dried cranberries, red bell pepper, and pecans. Toss with 1/4 cup of the dressing.
Serve immediately.
Serves 8.
Chill remaining dressing.