Show-Stopping Dinner Party Salad Recipe
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Servings:
10 Servings
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ teaspoon coarse salt, divided
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 crushed garlic clove
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 4 cups chopped little gem lettuce
  • 4 cups arugula
  • 3 cups chopped radicchio
  • 1 sliced English cucumber
  • 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
  • ¼ cup sliced red onion
  • ¼ cup sliced basil
  • ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
  • 1 sliced or chopped avocado
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
  2. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper
  3. In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
  4. Toss the pecans with the sugar mixture.
  5. Lay the pecans out on the prepared sheet pan and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway. Cool for 10 minutes.
  6. In a small bowl, make the dressing by combining the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, remaining maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic clove, remaining salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  7. In a large bowl combine lettuces, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, basil, and parsley.
  8. Toss salad with the dressing.
  9. When the pecans have cooled, break them apart if some have clustered together.
  10. Add the avocado, pecans, and optional feta cheese to the salad and serve.