Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh, crunchy, and perfectly balanced salad, this Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is exactly what you need. It’s crisp apples, sweet tart dried cranberries, and toasted pecans tossed together with leafy greens and a simple homemade dressing. Light yet satisfying, this salad works just as well for everyday meals as it does for holidays and special occasions.

What makes this salad stand out is the contrast of textures and flavors. You get crunch from the apples and pecans, chewiness from the cranberries, and freshness from the greens. Add a tangy dressing and optional cheese, and you have a salad that feels complete, not like an afterthought.

Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted chicken, holiday turkey, or enjoying it as a light lunch, this apple cranberry pecan salad is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

What Is Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad?

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is a classic American style salad made with fresh apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and leafy greens. It’s often finished with a vinaigrette or light creamy dressing and sometimes includes cheese like feta or goat cheese for extra richness.

This salad is popular because it’s:

• Easy to prepare
• Naturally sweet and savory
• Adaptable for different seasons
• Light but filling

It’s especially common during fall and winter, when apples and cranberries shine, but it’s delicious year-round with the right apples and greens.

If you enjoy fresh yet satisfying recipes like Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread or Sheet Pan Sausage Cranberry Bites, this salad pairs beautifully with those flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh, crisp, and flavorful
• Quick to prepare in under 20 minutes
• Perfect side dish or light main
• Naturally vegetarian
• Easy to customize
• Great for holidays, potlucks, and meal prep

This salad proves that simple ingredients can still feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients (with measurements):

• 6 cups mixed salad greens
  Spring mix, baby spinach, or arugula all work well.
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
  Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady are best.
• ½ cup dried cranberries
  Sweetened or unsweetened, based on preference.
• ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
  Toasted for best flavor.
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
  Adds creaminess and balance.

Simple Homemade Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Notes

• Apples: Choose crisp apples that won’t brown too quickly.
• Cranberries: Dried cranberries add chew and sweetness.
• Pecans: Toasting brings out nutty flavor and crunch.
• Cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for balance.
• Dressing: Light and tangy, designed not to overpower the salad.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

This salad comes together quickly and doesn’t require any cooking beyond toasting the nuts.

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.

Toasting makes a big difference, so don’t skip this step.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Wash and thinly slice the apples. Leave the skin on for color and nutrients. If making ahead, toss apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and emulsified.

Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, add greens, apple slices, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.

Toss gently to coat.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with crumbled feta or goat cheese if using. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.

Recipe Tips for Best Results

• Slice apples just before serving
• Toast pecans for deeper flavor
• Dress salad right before serving
• Use crisp apples for crunch
• Toss gently to avoid bruising greens

Variations and Customizations

1. Chicken Apple Cranberry Salad

Add grilled or roasted chicken for extra protein.

2. Vegan Version

Skip cheese or use dairy-free cheese. Use maple syrup in the dressing.

3. Holiday Salad

Add pomegranate seeds for festive color and flavor.

4. Blue Cheese Twist

Swap feta for blue cheese for a bolder taste.

5. Grain Bowl Style

Add cooked quinoa or farro to make it more filling.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Ideas:

• Serve with roasted chicken or turkey
• Pair with soup or sandwiches
• Add to a holiday dinner spread
• Enjoy as a light lunch

Storage:

• Store undressed salad components separately
• Keep in airtight containers for up to 2 days

Make Ahead Tip:

• Prep dressing and toppings in advance
• Assemble just before serving for best results

Nutritional Notes (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 220–260
• Protein: 5–7g
• Fat: 14–16g
• Carbs: 22–26g

Nutrition depends on cheese and dressing amounts.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Salad soggy: Add dressing just before serving
• Apples browning: Toss lightly with lemon juice
• Too sweet: Reduce cranberries or honey
• Too tart: Add a touch more honey

FAQs About Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.

2. What apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady.

3. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts are a great substitute.

4. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.

5. What dressing pairs best?
Light vinaigrettes like apple cider, balsamic, or honey mustard.

Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced sweet and savory flavors
• Crunchy and fresh textures
• Simple ingredients
• Customizable for any season
• Crowd-pleasing and elegant

This salad feels light but still satisfying.

Conclusion

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is a fresh, crisp, and beautifully balanced dish that works for everyday meals and special occasions alike. With crunchy apples, chewy cranberries, toasted pecans, and a light homemade dressing, it delivers flavor without feeling heavy.

It’s easy to prepare, easy to customize, and always a hit. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner or a simple lunch, this salad brings freshness and flavor to the table every time.