Can I offer you a salad? No, the blog hasn’t been hacked, there actually is a salad on here, but I think it’s a salad that even those with a strong sweet tooth will love, which is why I call it my Sweet Tooth Salad. This is my all time favorite salad and I’ve made it for many years. I actually shared an earlier version of this salad probably seven years ago here on the blog. While I was making myself this salad the other day, I figured this gem of a salad could make another appearance here on the site.
Let’s be honest, I’m usually not the person who goes out to dinner and orders a salad. I’m just not that girl. Every now and then a salad will catch my eye, but for the most part, I want a nice hot meal that someone else made for me. And shopped for. And did the dishes for. And cleaned up after. But back to salad. I had a salad similar to this many years ago at a wedding, and I absolutely fell in love with it. It’s a great combo of so many flavors, with sweet and tart notes, crunchy bites, chewy bites, it’s got a lot going on.
I’m not a big recipe follower with things like salads. I don’t measure, I eyeball everything and what goes into my salad can be very dependent on what I’ve got in my fridge, and more often than not, what I did or did not forget at the store. When the stars align, this salad is made up of the following items… Baby spinach, dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, sliced apples, feta cheese, candied pecans, grilled chicken and a drizzle of poppy seed dressing.
So. Darn. Good. If I’m serving this as a side, then I usually leave out chicken. If I want it as a main dish or complete meal, then chicken please! While this is my absolute favorite combo for this salad, I do mix it up. Feta or goat cheese can be swapped for blue cheese. Candied pecans (the amazing things that they are) can be swapped for regular pecans or walnuts. Apple or pear, whatever is on hand. And if one of the items is missing, that’s okay as well. Sometimes I skip the dressing all together. As always I’m all about flexibility and working with what you have.
I am not very scientific in my measuring with salads, and think that making them to taste and working with what you have and what you like (or do not like) is a great way to go. Here is a recipe outline for this salad…
Sweet Tooth Salad
Ingredients
Ingredient amounts are based on what you like or need, use as little or as much of ingredients as you like.
- Baby spinach or other greens
- Sliced apples or pears
- Pomegranate seeds
- Dried cranberries
- Nuts such as candied pecans regular pecans or walnuts
- Feta or blue cheese
- Sliced grilled chicken
- Dressing such as poppy seed or even a raspberry vinaigrette
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in the amounts that you enjoy and serve!
If you like this fruit and nut filled salad, I think you’ll also enjoy this Blueberry Apple Walnut Salad from Barefeet In The Kitchen. It pairs a spring mix with apples, blueberries, walnuts and goat cheese. Make sure to check it out!
Enjoy!
MonicaP says
Yum and sooo easy! Will put these ingredients on my shopping list this week 🙂
Monica.
Christi says
Monica, I hope you enjoy it!
Deb says
Love this salad and make it often. I also switch it out in the fall with diced red pears, swiss cheese cubes and cashews.. both are amazing
Christi says
Deb, that sounds like a fabulous combo!
Graham @ Glazed & Confused says
I love love love salad, especially this kind!
Anything with fruit, nuts, and chicken is my go to.
This looks delicious!
Christi says
Graham, sounds like we are on the same salad page! 🙂
Aqiyl Aniys says
Yes, yes, yes! I love salads and your is beautiful. Awesome ingredients.
Christi says
Thanks Aqiyl, it is such a fun combo of ingredients for sure!
Crystal says
Super yummy! With the warmer weather, I’ve been craving salads. Can’t wait to make this one. Thanks for the recipe!
Christi says
Thanks Crystal! I’m the same way, when the weather starts to heat up I’m ready for something lighter, and this salad is great for that!
Medeja says
This salad both looks and sounds amazing! I am sure it tasted great. Definitely something I would enjoy 🙂
Christi says
Medeja, I hope you get a chance to enjoy one soon! 🙂
sally @ sallys baking addiction says
“sweet tooth salad” – how can I say no?! All my favorites in one!
Christi says
It truly is my favorite salad ever Sally! 🙂
[email protected] says
Any salad that is called a “Sweet Tooth” salad is for me!! I love the combination of fruit with the spinach 🙂 Definitely will be making this!
Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats says
I definitely have a sweet tooth for my salads, but it’s got to be a sweet AND salty salad for me. The fruit & feta combo is where it’s at!!
Maureen says
Love love pomegranate seeds. I eat them just by themselves for breakfast. Apparently very good for you healthwise–I just like them.
Thank you for the recipe.
Nate says
Great meal but its no nut november so why is there candied pecans!?
Christi says
Hi Nate, I have to say I have no idea what no-nut November is! It’s almost always no nut everything in my house due to nut allergies, this is one of the few with tree nuts. 🙂
Nate says
Thought it was no nut November? Oh well, great recipe anyway! ????
Riley says
YES! I’ve been wanting to love salad for so many years now but I have a major sweet tooth! I found this and just absolutely yes! I even found a strawberry-poppy seed vinaigrette to add the the mix and it’s just SO SO good. I don’t grimace at all when I eat this – I actually smile ❤️ Thank you so much !!!
Christi Johnstone says
Riley, I’m so glad you enjoy this salad recipe! It’s my absolute favorite!