Aggie's Kitchen

Autumn Spinach Salad with Pecan Vinaigrette

This post is sponsored by Fisher Nuts.

bowl of spinach salad topped with feta cheese and apple slices next to mason jar of pecan vinaigrette with spoon in it and a bag of Fisher pecan halves in the background

I have never been one to only eat salads in the warm weather months. Maybe that’s because I live in Florida and we have warm weather almost all year long?

I’d like to believe that I would enjoy a salad here and there in the cold winters that some of you experience in the North (and/or West I guess I should say). For me, building a salad comes from whatever is in season, looks good in the produce section or whatever you are craving really. I can never say no to a crisp bowl of crunchy salad veggies with a good homemade dressing or vinaigrette.

mason jar of pecan vinaigrette with spoon in it on cutting board with bowl of autumn spinach salad in background

Now, though I can eat salad any day of the year, I don’t necessarily always want to make a salad for myself. That’s another story. Lately I have been in a salad rut, but was inspired to create this one with the newly arrived fruits of the season that I’ve been seeing lots of – apples and pears. What goes perfectly with a salad chock full of apples and pears? Why, pecans of course.

cutting board with close up of pecans

I have a hard time choosing a favorite when it comes to nuts, but I will say that pecans are definitely up there on the list. Especially when it comes to fall inspired dishes, like this salad. I created a simple pecan vinaigrette using Fisher Nut Pecan Halves and it is absolutely delicious, as you can imagine a nutty vinaigrette to be. Toasting up the pecans and adding them to the vinaigrette base while still warm infuses a little extra flavor into the mixture – so good! It was a perfect dressing for this simple seasonal salad, but honestly I can’t wait to drizzle it over other fall roasted veggies like butternut squash and Brussels sprouts.

bowl of spinach salad topped with feta cheese and apple slices next to mason jar of pecan vinaigrette with spoon in it and a bag of Fisher pecan halves in the background

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Autumn Spinach Salad with Pecan Vinaigrette

  • Author: Aggie's Kitchen
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

For the Vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup light oil (I use grapeseed oil)
  • 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
For salad:
  • fresh spinach leaves
  • chopped apple
  • chopped pear
  • golden raisins
  • crumbled goat cheese
  • optional additions: sliced red onion, bacon

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except nuts in a sealed tight jar or container and shake well. Toast nuts in a small skillet over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes. Watch carefully. When nuts are fragrant and toasted, remove from pan and place on cutting board.
  2. Roughly chop pecans then add to vinaigrette while still warm. Serve over your favorite autumn inspired salad greens and fruits.

Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Homemade Salad Dressings on Pinterest.

A lot of you may be like me when it comes to including nuts in your recipes – it’s just a natural addition to almost anything isn’t it? I’ve partnered up with Fisher Nuts over the next several months to create recipes for them as well as share with you their newly launched My Fresh Twist recipe contest. From now until October 22,  you can submit original recipes using nuts for a chance to win a trip for 2 to New York City to meet Chef Alex Guarnaschelli. Sounds pretty awesome doesn’t it??

Follow Fisher Nuts ( #ThinkFisher ) on Facebook and Pinterest, and of course check out their recipe page on their website, for more inspiration.

 

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!

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14 comments on “Autumn Spinach Salad with Pecan Vinaigrette”

  1. You had me at goat cheese and nuts! This looks incredible Aggie! Hope you are snuggling with that baby boy right now!! xo

  2. Well, you know, I’m on the opposite side of the country but in the OTHER warm state, so I feel ya. I eat salads (and grill) all year long, too. Loving the combo you came up with – spinach and goat cheese? <3 Hugs to you and Micah!

  3. WOW this looks so refreshing and delicious great !!

    Love Katie

    Just tried out a new recipe by Jamie Oliver please check it out on
    https://whatskatieupto.wordpress.com

  4. Looks good! Great pear recipe!
    Pinned! โ™ก
    Ty,
    K-

  5. Love that salad dressing! Looks delicious!

  6. I am all about salads year round. And this one looks perfect right now!

  7. I am saving this vinaigrette recipe, yum!!!

  8. You are my Salad Idol Friend…. without you I may have never gotten hooked on salads. This looks SO good for Fall. I’m in need of a bit of a detox {been indulging on birthday celebration food} and a salad is the perfect solution. Very anxious to try this — adding the ingredients to my grocery list now! โค

  9. Blessings to your family. We just had our first grandson last week also. Had this salad tonight and it was delicious.

  10. This goes straight to the the “must-do” list. Thank you for sharing.

  11. Hi great recipe!! I was wondering if i could use apple cider vinegar if theres no apple cider in the fridge??

    • Hi Melody! Thanks so much for your comment and question…it actually is apple cider vinegar that I use in recipe (OOPS!!) and I just updated the recipe to say that. I am so sorry for the confusion, so glad you brought to my attention. ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Awesome!! Thank you for such a quick response! Im now a fan and started following and sharing your stuff on pinterest. I just love home made dressing. People dont realize how much additives and preservatives are in some store bought dressings. Great photos too by the way. I think it makes the food that much more attractive ๐Ÿ˜‰

        • you are so sweet Melody, thanks so much! I’m glad you are here!! (And totally agree about the salad dressings, it kind of grosses me out when I look at the ingredients.) I have a ton of vinaigrette recipes posted here! Have a great night!