This Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is a crunchy, sweet, and tangy mix that brings a burst of flavor in every bite! With fresh apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it’s a treat for your taste buds.
Honestly, I’m in love with the blend of flavors—so refreshing! I often serve it as a side at dinner or bring it to potlucks. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up. Who doesn’t love easy deliciousness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Salad Greens: A blend of greens gives this salad a vibrant base. You can substitute with baby spinach or arugula for a peppery kick. If you’re looking for a bit more crunch, adding sliced radicchio can be great too!
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Fuji or Honeycrisp work well, too. If you prefer a sweeter taste, go for a sweet apple variety. You can even use pears for a different flavor profile.
Dried Cranberries: These add a nice tart flavor. If you have them on hand, cherries or raisins can be great substitutes. You can also look for unsweetened options depending on your taste preferences.
Pecans: Toasting them brings out more flavor! If pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts or almonds can also be used. Just remember to toast those too for the best results.
Cheese: Feta gives a nice salty contrast. For a creamier option, try goat cheese, or for a lighter taste, skip the cheese altogether. Nutritional yeast is a nice vegan alternative, adding a cheesy flavor.
How Can I Toast Pecans Perfectly?
Toasting pecans is an easy way to boost their flavor. Just follow these simple steps:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat—don’t skip this step! A hot skillet helps develop flavor.
- Add the pecans in a single layer. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly.
- Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells amazing!
- Remove them immediately from the skillet; this prevents further cooking. Let them cool before adding to your salad.
This small step can elevate your salad to a whole new level. Happy toasting!
Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as red leaf lettuce, green leaf lettuce, and baby kale)
- 1 large apple (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 5 minutes for toasting the pecans. Altogether, you’ll need about 15 minutes to bring it all together, and it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toasting the Pecans:
Start by toasting the pecans. In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the pecan halves. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. You want them to be fragrant and slightly golden, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove them from heat and let them cool down a bit.
2. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well until it’s combined and smooth. This dressing will add a wonderful flavor to your salad!
3. Assembling the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, thinly sliced apple, dried cranberries, sliced red onion, and toasted pecans. Make sure all the ingredients are spread evenly.
4. Drizzling and Tossing:
Now it’s time to drizzle the dressing over the salad. Pour it evenly and toss gently with a pair of tongs or salad servers to coat everything lightly. Be careful to not bruise the greens!
5. Topping the Salad:
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad for an added creamy texture and flavor burst.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its crisp freshness! It makes for a perfect starter or light side dish at any meal.
Enjoy this crisp, colorful, and flavorful Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time! Chop the vegetables and slice the apples, but wait to assemble the salad and add the dressing until just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
What Can I Substitute for Pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can easily substitute with walnuts or sliced almonds. Both options add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad. Just remember to toast them for the best taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, as this will help keep the greens fresh and prevent them from wilting.
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried?
Fresh cranberries can be used, but they are quite tart and may need some added sweetness. Consider making a cranberry compote or a light syrup to drizzle over the salad if you go this route for a balanced flavor!
