Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad Recipe

Here’s a vibrant and flavorful recipe for Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad, a refreshing dish that combines crisp apples, sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and mixed greens, all tossed together in a light and tangy dressing. It’s a perfect salad for fall or any time you want something fresh, colorful, and full of texture.

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
• ½ cup dried cranberries (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference)
• ½ cup pecans, toasted (you can also use walnuts or almonds)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or sunflower seeds (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Toast the Pecans (if not pre-toasted):
   • In a dry skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens with the sliced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and sliced red onion (if using). If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it on top.
3. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated. Top with additional pecans, cheese, and seeds if desired.
5. Serve:
   • Serve immediately as a side salad or a light main course. This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, turkey, or as a refreshing side for a holiday meal.

Serving Suggestions:

• Main Dish: You can add grilled chicken, turkey, or even a warm goat cheese crostini to make this a more substantial meal.
• Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to complement the salad.
• Nuts: If you want more crunch, you can also add candied pecans or walnuts.

Tips:

• Apple Choices: Choose a sweet-tart apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji, which hold up well in salads and add a nice balance of flavor. You can also use green apples like Granny Smith for a more tart flavor.
• Make-Ahead: If you want to prep the salad in advance, keep the dressing separate and drizzle it on just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
• Vegan Option: Omit the cheese for a dairy-free version, or use a plant-based cheese if you prefer.
• Add More Flavor: To elevate the salad, you can add fresh herbs like basil, mint, or parsley for a burst of freshness.

This Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is both light and filling, with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy textures. It’s a wonderful side dish for holiday meals or an everyday lunch that feels just a little bit special! Enjoy!