There are certain restaurant salads that I will never get sick of, and the Seasonal Goat Cheese Salad from Mendocino Farms is at the very top of that list. It is hands down my go to order every single time. Sweet, savory, crunchy, creamy, and even a little spicy… it just works.

Over the years, this salad has gone through a few different versions. If you have been ordering it for a long time, you might remember the older Drake Goat Cheese and Beet version. That one had my heart for a while. The more recent seasonal versions lean into apples, mixed greens, and that signature sweet and tangy balance, but still keep some of the OG elements that I love.

Instead of trying to recreate one exact version, I decided to make a homemade salad that pulls pieces from both and tweaks them slightly to make it my own. So no, this is not an exact replica. But it has all the things I love most about the Mendocino salad, made at home.

This is one of those salads that feels a little fancy, but is still very easy to throw together and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even entertaining.

Copycat Mendocino Farms Seasonal Goat Cheese Salad

Serves 4-8

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch kale, chopped
• 2 cups romaine, chopped
• 2 cups mixed greens, chopped
• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup honey roasted almonds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 4oz goat cheese
• Hot honey (for topping)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a separate small bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients.
2. In a large bowl, combine the kale, romaine and mixed greens. Top with chicken, almonds, dried cranberries, apple and onion.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
4. Serve and top each serving with goat cheese and a drizzle of hot honey (if desired).
5. Enjoy!

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Looking for more easy weekday lunch recipes? Try these next!

• Apple, Walnut & Goat Cheese Salad
• Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
• Chicken Satay Bowl