Description
🍎🍂 This Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is packed with nutrients, featuring crisp apples, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans that support your health and well-being! 🥗💪
🍁✨ A perfect fall recipe that’s bursting with flavor and textures, making it a must-try for your seasonal gatherings or a wholesome meal any day! 🤗👌
Ingredients
Mixed Greens (spinach and spring mix or baby spinach)
Apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith, or Red Delicious)
Dried Cranberries (or fresh cranberries cooked with sugar and water)
Pecans (raw, toasted, or candied)
Goat Cheese or Feta Cheese (alternative options: Gorgonzola or shaved Parmesan)
Cooked Bacon (optional; alternatives: prosciutto, cooked ham, or Canadian bacon)
Olive Oil
Apple Cider Vinegar
Honey
Dijon Mustard
Salt
Pepper
Optional: Green or Red Onions
Optional: Celery
Optional: Maple Syrup (for maple cider vinaigrette)
Optional: Toasted Walnuts, Almonds, or Pumpkin Seeds (nut alternatives)
Instructions
1. Begin with Greens: Wash and dry the mixed greens or your choice of salad base.
2. Chop the Apples: Slice your chosen apple variety into thin slices or bite-sized pieces. Coat them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Prepare the Cranberries: If using dried cranberries, they are ready to sprinkle on. If fresh cranberries are used, soften them by simmering with water and sugar.
4. Add Ingredients to the Bowl: Transfer the greens, apples, and cranberries to a large salad bowl.
5. Incorporate Nuts: Add pecans or your selected nuts. Toast them first to enhance their flavor if desired.
6. Include Cheese: Crumble goat or feta cheese over the salad for creamy bursts of flavor.
7. Optional Protein: If using cooked and chopped bacon, sprinkle it generously over the salad.
8. Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Shake or whisk until fully blended.
9. Drizzle the Dressing: Just before serving, pour your freshly prepared dressing evenly over the salad.
10. Toss Lightly: Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated without overmixing.
11. Serve the Salad: Serve the Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.
12. Present Creatively: For a touch of presentation, consider layering ingredients or garnishing with fresh herbs or edible flowers.
Notes
1. Share the importance of balancing sweet and savory flavors in your salad for a perfect fall dish.
2. Provide quick and adjustable ingredient swaps to suit different taste preferences or dietary needs.
3. Offer simple storing techniques to keep the salad fresh for meal prep or leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American