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Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
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Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is a fresh and crunchy salad combining crisp apples, tangy dried cranberries, toasted pecans, mixed greens, and a honey mustard vinaigrette. This vibrant salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, a healthy snack, or a flavorful side dish. It is easy to prepare, nutritious, and versatile to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh mixed greens (baby spinach or spring mix)
  • 2 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. Core and thinly slice the apples. Slice the red onion as thin as possible. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified and smooth.
  3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, dried cranberries, red onion, and toasted pecans. Drizzle the honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top if using, and give the salad one last light toss. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and crunch.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp apples to maintain crunch and prevent sogginess.
  • Toast pecans to enhance their flavor and add a nutty dimension.
  • Prepare the dressing in advance to allow flavors to meld.
  • Toss salad just before serving to keep greens crisp.
  • Adjust honey and vinegar in dressing to balance sweetness and acidity.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple salad, cranberry salad, pecan salad, healthy salad, honey mustard vinaigrette, autumn salad, gluten free salad, fresh salad

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