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Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
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Enjoy a refreshing Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad that perfectly blends sweet, tart, and crunchy flavors. Crisp apples, tart cranberries, and toasted pecans combine with fresh greens and a light honey mustard dressing, delivering a nutritious and vibrant salad ideal for light lunches, side dishes, or festive occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit & Greens

  • 2 crisp apples (Gala or Honeycrisp), washed and sliced into wedges or cubes
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 4 cups fresh mixed greens (baby spinach or arugula), rinsed and dried

Nuts & Cheese

  • 3/4 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples and Greens: Wash and slice the crisp apples into thin wedges or small cubes for easy mixing. Rinse the mixed greens thoroughly and let them dry completely to keep the salad fresh and non-soggy.
  2. Toast the Pecans: Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 4-5 minutes until they are fragrant and golden brown. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. This dressing balances the sweetness of the fruit and complements the savory nuts.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, gently toss the dried cranberries, toasted pecans, sliced apples, and mixed greens. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss lightly to ensure every bite is coated with flavor.
  5. Add Finishing Touches: If using, sprinkle feta cheese on top last to add creamy texture and a savory contrast. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest and crispiest.

Notes

  • Choose crisp, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji to maintain crunch and prevent sogginess.
  • Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning and bitterness.
  • Toss salad with dressing just before serving for best freshness and texture.
  • Cut apples uniformly to ensure consistent texture in every bite.
  • Optional: Add fresh chopped parsley or mint to brighten the flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple salad, cranberry salad, pecan salad, healthy salad, gluten free salad, honey mustard dressing, fall salad

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/apple-cranberry-pecan-salad/