This Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is a colorful mix of fresh apples, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans. It’s both sweet and nutty, making it a perfect side dish!
Every time I make this salad, I can’t help but munch on those crunchy pecans. They add the best surprise element! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😊
It’s super easy to whip up, and you can enjoy it as a quick lunch or a fancy holiday side. I love adding a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Salad Greens: I love using a mix like red leaf and green leaf for texture and color. If you need a substitute, baby spinach or arugula adds a nice peppery taste!
Apples: Fuji and Gala are great because they stay crunchy. If they’re not available, try Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a tart flavor. You can also use pears as a sweet alternative.
Dried Cranberries: These add sweetness! If you want less sugar, opt for unsweetened dried cherries or raisins. Fresh berries can be a fresh twist if you prefer them.
Pecans: Toasted pecans are awesome for crunch and flavor! If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make a tasty and safe substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: Shaved Parmesan brings creaminess. If you want a vegan option, nutritional yeast can provide that cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Make Sure My Pecans are Perfectly Toasted?
Toasting pecans is crucial for enhancing their flavor. Here’s how to do it without burning them:
- Use a dry, non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add pecan halves in a single layer and stir them frequently for 3-5 minutes.
- Keep a close eye! As soon as you smell their rich aroma, remove them from heat. They can burn quickly.
Let them cool before adding to your salad so they maintain that lovely crunch!
What’s the Best Way to Dress This Salad?
Dressing your salad should enhance the flavors without overpowering them. Here’s a quick guide:
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together, and taste to adjust seasoning—a bit more honey if you want sweetness?
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
- For even coating, drizzle it over the top and toss gently to combine.
Remember, it’s easier to add a little more dressing than to take it away!
Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as red leaf, green leaf, and curly endive)
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced (e.g., Fuji or Gala)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup pecan halves, toasted
- 1/2 cup shaved or thinly sliced Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This salad only takes about 15 minutes to prepare! You’ll spend around 5 minutes toasting the pecans and then another 10 minutes washing, cutting, and mixing everything together. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toast the Pecans:
Start by toasting your pecans! In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the pecan halves. Stir them for about 3-5 minutes until they smell amazing and are slightly golden. Be careful not to burn them! Once done, remove from the heat and let them cool.
2. Prepare the Salad Greens:
While the pecans are cooling, wash and dry the mixed salad greens thoroughly. You can use a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Once dry, place the greens in a large salad bowl.
3. Add Fruit and Nuts:
Now it’s time to add some deliciousness! Scatter the thinly sliced apples, dried cranberries, and those toasted pecans over the top of the greens. This makes it look pretty and colorful!
4. Add Cheese and Onions:
Next, sprinkle the shaved or thinly sliced Parmesan cheese over the salad. If you like a little more flavor, add the thinly sliced red onions, too. They give a great crunch and a bit of zing!
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or a jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard. Mix until well combined and smooth. Season with a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
6. Dress the Salad:
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss everything together so that it’s all coated beautifully. Remember, a little dressing goes a long way!
7. Serve Immediately:
Dig in and enjoy this fresh and vibrant Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad! It’s perfect as a side dish or a light main meal. You’ll love the crunch of the pecans and the sweetness of the apples!
This salad offers a wonderful balance of flavors with crisp apples, sweet and tart cranberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy pecans, all enhanced by a bright cider vinaigrette.
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Pecans?
Absolutely! If you have nuts allergies or just prefer something else, walnuts or almonds make great substitutes. Toast them the same way to bring out their flavor!
What Type of Apple Works Best for This Salad?
Fuji and Gala apples are great for their sweetness and crunch. You can also try Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweet and tart, or Granny Smith for a tart kick!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent sogginess!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead! Just slice the apples and prepare the dressing, then store them separately until you’re ready to assemble the salad right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.