This Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is a crunchy and sweet treat! Packed with fresh apples, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it’s colorful and refreshing.
It’s perfect for lunch or as a side dish at dinner. I love drizzling a little honey on top—my family thinks I’m a salad genius! 🥗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Salad Greens: I love using a mix of red and green leaf lettuce for color and texture. If you’re out of those, baby spinach or arugula work great too. Each type of green brings its own flair!
Apples: Fuji and Honeycrisp apples add a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. If these aren’t available, Granny Smith apples are a fantastic alternative for a more tangy flavor.
Dried Cranberries: These add a nice burst of sweetness. If you’re looking for less sugar, swap them for unsweetened dried cherries or raisins. They’ll offer a similar texture and flavor.
Pecan Halves: Toasting pecans can enhance their richness. If you’re allergic or don’t have pecans, walnuts or slivered almonds can be good replacements.
Cheese: I prefer feta for its creamy texture, but goat cheese adds a nice tang. You can use any cheese you love; just keep the flavor in mind!
How Do I Make the Perfect Dressing?
Crafting the right dressing can elevate your salad. Start by combining the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. I whisk these together until well blended—this is called emulsifying!
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if you prefer. Just taste as you go.
- Remember to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.
- If you want a creamier dressing, mix in a dollop of plain yogurt or mayonnaise.
By taking time to prepare your dressing, you’ll ensure it complements your salad beautifully.
Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (red leaf lettuce, green leaf lettuce, or spring mix)
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced (preferably a sweet-tart variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad requires about 15 minutes of prep time. It’s quick to whip up and makes a great addition to any meal or a light lunch on its own!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Using a whisk, mix well until the dressing is thoroughly blended and emulsified. Set it aside so the flavors can meld together.
2. Assemble the Salad:
Grab a large salad bowl and place the mixed greens at the bottom. This will be the base of your salad, providing a nice crunch and vibrant color!
3. Add the Toppings:
Layer on the thinly sliced apple, dried cranberries, pecan halves, and finely chopped red onion. Make sure to spread the ingredients evenly for a beautiful presentation!
4. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Top it off by sprinkling crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad. This adds a delightful creaminess and flavor contrast.
5. Dress the Salad:
Now, drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the top of the salad. This will help to enhance all the flavors and keep the salad fresh.
6. Toss and Serve:
Gently toss the salad with your hands or using two large spoons to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Be cautious while tossing to avoid bruising the apple slices. Once it’s well mixed, the salad is ready to serve!
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately to enjoy the wonderful combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. This salad is bright, flavorful, and absolutely refreshing!
Can I Use Different Types of Nuts?
Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely flavor, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a different crunch. Each nut brings its own taste and texture!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! You can wash and chop the greens and other ingredients in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid sogginess.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 1-2 days. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy the salad fresh!
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Definitely! If you want to skip the cheese or need a dairy-free option, you can use nutritional yeast or skip it altogether. You can also try vegan cheese alternatives for a creamy touch.
