SAN RAMON, CALIFORNIA – If your autumn cravings lean crisp and cozy, Mendocino Farms has a timely new bowl for you. The chain’s fall lineup now features “The Seasonal GOAT with Pink Lady Apples” — a goat-cheese-driven salad that leans into orchard flavors and cool-weather texture.
What it is
A layered mix built around marinated goat cheese and tart-sweet Pink Lady apples. It’s tossed with romaine, kale, and mixed greens, then finished with farmhouse vinaigrette and a drizzle of hot citrus honey.
Dried cranberries and honey-roasted almonds bring chew and crunch, while pickled red onions, shaved fennel, and fresh mint keep the salad bright. You can order it vegetarian or add chicken.
My Verdict
I tried it at the San Ramon location at City Center Bishop Ranch. The salad is delicious, with the hot honey adding a subtle spiciness, and a crisp fall flavor from the slices of Pink Lady apple.
The chicken adds enough protein to make this a filling lunch (I split one salad and some curried cous cous with my wife, and it was plenty of food) and the dried cranberries ramp up the sweetness. The mint adds an unexpected but very nice additional flavor.
I got it without the kale, but adding it in would add even more leafy green goodness.
Why it’s fall-friendly
Pink Lady apples are peak fall produce, and the combo of goat cheese, almonds, and cranberries reads like a farmers market highlight reel. The vinaigrette plus warm-spicy citrus honey keeps it from feeling heavy — more sweater-weather than holiday-table.
Dietary notes and calories
Mendo lists the salad as gluten-free, with a nut warning due to honey-roasted almonds. With chicken, the menu shows 710 calories; a vegetarian prep is lower. Always check the store page for your location to confirm nutrition and allergens.
The salad is available at most Mendocino Farms locations in the Bay Area, but it’s a limited time item, so grab it while it’s still seasonal!
