Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
Description
This Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful salad packed with crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and leafy greens. Tossed in a simple homemade dressing, it’s perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or holiday salad. The combination of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors makes every bite delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Salad
6 cups chopped green leaf lettuce
2 medium red apples, diced
½ cup dried cranberries
¾ cup pecans, roughly chopped
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
For the Dressing
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey
½ tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly.
Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
Dice the apples and leave the skin on for extra color and texture.
Roughly chop the pecans.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Place the lettuce in a large salad bowl.
Add the diced apples, dried cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese.
Pour the dressing over the salad.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and crunch.
Tips
Use Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples for the best sweetness.
Toast the pecans for 3–4 minutes to enhance their flavor.
Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Toss the salad just before serving to keep it crisp.
Q&A
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds work well.
How long will leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Servings & Nutrition
Servings: 4–6
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
Calories: 250
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 12g