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apple cranberry pecan salad served with dressing

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

This Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is crisp, fresh, and bursting with sweet-tart flavor in every bite. Juicy apples, chewy dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans come together with a light, balanced dressing for the perfect mix of textures. It’s a bright, refreshing salad that works beautifully as a side dish or a light meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

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.

Instructions  

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.

Video

Notes

📝 Notes

  • Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for best texture.
  • Toss apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • Toasted pecans add extra flavor and crunch.
  • Dried cranberries can be swapped with fresh if in season.
  • Add feta or goat cheese for a creamy contrast.
  • Dress the salad just before serving to keep greens fresh.
  • Store leftovers undressed in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Keep dressing separate for easy meal prep.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 260  
Carbohydrates: 32g  
Fiber: 5g  
Sugars: 18g  
Protein: 4g  
Fat: 14g  
Saturated Fat: 2g  
Cholesterol: 0mg  
Sodium: 120mg  
Potassium: 360mg  
Calcium: 60mg  
Iron: 1.5mg
Keyword Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad