Description
This layered pecan pasta salad is an elegant but easy side or main dish. Perfect to serve when hosting a gathering or attending a special occasion, it can easily be customized with seasonal ingredients. This version combines fresh vegetables, oranges, cheese and pecans for a light and bright pasta salad dish.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup salt
- 12 ounces orecchiette pasta, or other small pasta
- 4 cups of radicchio, thinly sliced
- 1 cup halved marinated olives (Kalamata and green)
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup pecan pieces, plus optional pecan halves for garnish
- 3/4 cup chopped parsley or mint (or both)
- 6 ounces feta cheese
- 1 cara cara orange, cut into slices
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- Lemon vinaigrette and fresh-cracked pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1/4 cup of salt. When water is bubbling, add in pasta, allow water to come back to a boil, then start timer for about 10 minutes. When pasta is cooked, el dente, drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- In a large, clear bowl, layer half of the radicchio on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the olives, artichoke, and tomato on top. Next, spread out half of the pasta, 1/2 cup of pecan pieces, half of the parsley, 3 ounces of crumbled feta, and the orange slices.
- Add the spinach, then repeat layering steps with the radicchio, olives, artichoke, tomato, pasta, pecan pieces, parsley, feta, and orange.
- If using the dressing, add to your taste after layering is complete.*
- Crack with fresh pepper and refrigerate for about an hour before serving.
Description
Perfect for summertime entertaining occasions this beautiful Pecan Berry Green Salad, boasts combines layers of greens, berries, goat cheese, and golden pecans. Using the season’s freshest ingredients, this elegant salad is simple and impressive.
Ingredients
- 7 to 8 ounces mixed salad greens (1 package)
- 6 ounces fresh blueberries
- 8 ounces fresh strawberries, sliced
- 6 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup raw pecan halves
- Balsamic vinaigrette dressing or dressing of your choosing*
Instructions
- On a large platter, spread out the salad greens.
- Next, sprinkle on blueberries, then layer the strawberries working from the outer edge of the plate to the center.
- Using your fingers, crumble the goat cheese onto the greens in medium to large crumbles.
- Finally, spread on the pecans.
- Toss with your favorite dressing* and serve cold.
*Nutrition information based on 2 tablespoons of dressing per serving.
Description
Savory spiced pecans are sprinkled atop grilled peaches, tangy goat cheese and fresh mixed-greens for a refreshing seasonal salad with nice nutty crunch.
Ingredients
Spiced Pecans:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 large egg white
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Salad:
- 1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or pecan oil, divided
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large peaches, halved and pits removed
- 6 cups mixed baby greens (such as arugula, spring mix, and spinach)
- 4 ounces soft goat cheese
Instructions
- Make the Spiced Pecans: Preheat oven to 275F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium size bowl, whisk together egg white, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined. Fold in pecans and mix until pecans are evenly coated in mixture. Spread in a single layer on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally until pecans are fragrant and golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
- Make the Salad: In a small bowl, spouted measuring cup, or mason jar, whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Brush cut side of peach halves with remaining olive oil and grill on an outside grill or grill pan on stove top set over medium/high heat until grill lines appear and peaches become tender; about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove peaches and cut into slices.
- Divide greens among four plates. Top with grilled peach slices and goat cheese. Divide 1 cup of the spiced pecans evenly among the salads and keep the other cup for a snack later. Top each salad with a drizzle of the vinaigrette. Serve and enjoy!
Description
Chocolate glazed pecans are tossed with dried tart cherries, yogurt covered raisins, and a few pretzels to add saltiness to this snack mix.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup pecan halves
- 1 large egg white
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 cup dried tart cherries
- 1 cup small pretzels
- 3/4 cup yogurt covered raisins
Instructions
- Whisk together egg white, brown sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until well blended. Add about 1 tablespoon water to thin mixture slightly. Fold in pecan halves until well coated. Spread mixture onto parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 325 degrees F. for about 15 to 20 minutes or until mixture well set. Stir pecan mixture several times during baking. Allow pecans to cool completely and transfer to a bowl. Mix in dried cherries, pretzels, and yogurt covered raisins.
