This Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy, making it a refreshing and nutritious dish for any occasion.
The crisp, juicy apples paired with tart cranberries and toasted pecans bring a delightful mix of flavors, while the creamy feta or goat cheese adds richness.
Drizzled with a simple homemade dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey, this salad is a great choice as a light lunch, a side for your main meal, or even a festive addition to a holiday spread.
Ingredients:
• For the Salad:
• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 2 medium apples (thinly sliced; use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for variety)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions (optional)
• For the Dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Toast the Pecans:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and red onions. Add the cheese if desired.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat.
5. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your fresh and vibrant apple cranberry pecan salad as a light meal or a side dish!
Let me know if you’d like to adjust the recipe.
Variations for the Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad:
Add Protein:
For a more filling meal, top the salad with grilled chicken, turkey breast, or salmon.
Add chickpeas, quinoa, or roasted tofu for a plant-based option.
Swap Nuts:
If you prefer a different crunch, substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even candied pecans for extra sweetness.
Cheese Alternatives:
Replace feta or goat cheese with blue cheese for a tangier flavor, or use shredded Parmesan for a milder option.
Fruit Variations:
Try swapping apples with pears, strawberries, or even citrus slices (like orange or grapefruit) for a seasonal twist.
Sweetness Adjustment:
For a more vibrant flavor, add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds or dried cherries in place of cranberries.
How to Store:
For the Salad:
Keep the dressing separate: To prevent the greens from wilting, store the salad and dressing separately.
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Add the apples just before serving to keep them crisp, or toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
For the Dressing:
Store leftover dressing in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake well before using again.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but with these tips, you can extend its shelf life while keeping it delicious!