Apple, Dried Cranberry, Goat Cheese and Pepita Salad

Marlow's Tavern in Waterford Lakes Town Center in Orlando, Florida is one of my favorite restaurants.  One of the best salads they serve is their Tavern Salad, which can be a side, or a meal with grilled chicken or salmon.  This salad I've created is adapted from Marlow's Tavern Salad off of their summer menu.  They will be rolling out their fall menu soon!  The apple cider vinaigrette is from Yummy Mummy Kitchen

Apple and Goat Cheese Salad with Dried Cranberries and Pepitas--Serves 4

Ingredients for Salad:

• 4 cups of spring/field greens (I used arugala.)
• 2 medium apples, sliced thin (I used Fuji apples, but granny smith and honeycrisp would also be great.)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons pepitas
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Apple Cider Vinaigrette--Makes 1/2 cup (2 tablespoons per salad)

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or you could substitute 1-1/2 teaspoons of Truvia Nectar)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Place all ingredients for the vinaigrette into a small bowl or jar.  Whisk or shake until well combined.  Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Instructions for Salad:

• Place salad greens in a large bowl.
• Add the apples, dried cranberries, goat cheese and pepitas.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss.
• Separate into four bowls for serving.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.

Apple, Dried Cranberry, Goat Cheese & Pepita Salad
with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

I love this salad!  It is perfect for lunch.  As I said, just add chicken or salmon, and it becomes a meal.  If you are ever in Orlando, you really need to try Marlow's Tavern.  I am partial to the Waterford Lakes location since they treat my sister and I like family whenever we have brunch, lunch or dinner there.  The food is all made fresh and they take great pride in their menu and specials.  General Manager, Matt Tolson, will make sure your meal is perfect every time.