Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

A Refreshing Crunch of Flavor!

Do you ever crave a salad that’s not only healthy but bursts with flavor and textures? Look no further than the Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad! This delightful dish combines crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans for a refreshing medley that’s perfect for any occasion. Fun fact: each ingredient in this salad not only dimensions taste but also contributes to your well-being — apples for dietary fiber, cranberries for antioxidants, and pecans for a healthy dose of fats. Quick to prepare yet gourmet in appearance, readers of all ages will enjoy this salad as a side or a meal on its own. If you love this, you might also enjoy our delightful Chickpea Salad, which similarly combines healthy produce with bold flavors. Let’s dive into this recipe that promises to bring joy and crunch to your table!

What is Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad?

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad — what a mouthful, right? With a name like that, you might imagine a bowl brimming with colorful ingredients, and you’d be spot on! You might wonder, “Why all these fruits and nuts together?” Well, friends, they’re like the ultimate culinary BFFs, complimenting each other in texture and flavor. Apples are crunchy, cranberries are tangy, and pecans? Oh, they add that glorious nutty depth! This combination is so tempting that they should probably have their own reality show! Remember, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this salad certainly can lead the way. So why not whip up this deliciousness and impress your family tonight?

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

What makes the Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad a must-try? For starters, it spotlights the main joy of fresh, wholesome ingredients that are not only healthy but incredibly flavorful! The crisp apples and tart cranberries bring a sweet-tart balance that dances on your palate while the pecans give it that satisfying crunch. Secondly, making this salad at home is a budget-friendly trip compared to ordering at restaurants — plus, you can tweak it to your liking, which is always a win! Lastly, let’s not forget the simple yet elegant presentation; this salad can turn an ordinary meal into a feast. If you’re in the mood for more salads, dive into our Quinoa Tabbouleh for another healthy twist. So, what are you waiting for? Try making this salad at home!

How to Make Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

Quick Overview

Creating the Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is a breeze! It’s all about fresh ingredients coming together in a quick, satisfying way. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you’ll soon have a colorful dish ready to serve. The combination of sweet apples, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a salad that pleases the whole family. Trust me; this dish is not just easy to make — it’s also exploding with flavor!

Key Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

To craft this vibrant salad, you’ll need:

• 2 large apples (your favorite variety)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried if out of season)
• 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach or arugula)
• 1/3 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing the apples and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh cranberries, rinse and remove any stems. If opting for dried cranberries, just toss them in!
2. Chop the Pecans: Roughly chop your pecans, giving them a little extra crunch by toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become golden and fragrant.
3. Mix the Greens: In a large bowl, add your mixed greens as the base of the salad.
4. Combine Everything: Toss in the apples, cranberries, and red onion, followed by the toasted pecans.
5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, and gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is well-coated.
6. Add the Cheese: Finally, if desired, crumble feta cheese over the top for added flavor. Serve immediately!

What to Serve Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad With

This delightful salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a vibrant meal. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to a warm soup or a light sandwich, adding the perfect crunch and zest. For a complete family dinner, why not serve with roasted vegetables or a hearty quinoa dish? This salad is versatile enough for both lunch and dinner, so let your culinary creativity flow!

Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

Want to up your salad game? Here are a few pro tips:

• Try using different apples for varied flavors — tart Granny Smith for zing or sweet Fuji for mildness.
• Substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty taste.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges for an extra fruity twist!
• Always taste your salad dressing before pouring; adjust to your preference for sweetness or tanginess.
• If you don’t want the salad to wilt, serve the dressing on the side and let everyone dress their own servings.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though I doubt they’ll last long), store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy again; this keeps the greens crisp. You can also pre-cut your ingredients ahead of time but mix everything just before serving to maintain the freshness. Enjoy this delightful salad again for lunch or dinner!

Now that you have the full scoop on this delicious Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad, gather your ingredients and give it a whirl. Your taste buds will thank you!

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

A refreshing salad combining crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 large large apples (your favorite variety)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried if out of season)
• 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped Toast for added flavor
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach or arugula)
• 1/3 cup feta cheese (optional) For added flavor if desired
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by washing the apples and cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
2. If using fresh cranberries, rinse and remove any stems. If opting for dried cranberries, just toss them in!
3. Roughly chop your pecans, giving them a little extra crunch by toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become golden and fragrant.
4. In a large bowl, add your mixed greens as the base of the salad.
5. Toss in the apples, cranberries, and red onion, followed by the toasted pecans.
6. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to ensure everything is well-coated.
7. Finally, if desired, crumble feta cheese over the top for added flavor.
8. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep dressing separate until ready to enjoy for maintain crispness.