Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Recipe Details

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 3–5 minutes (optional, for toasting pecans)

• Total time: 15–20 minutes

• Servings: 4–6

• Difficulty: Easy

• Diet: Vegetarian, naturally gluten-free with suitable ingredients

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 6 cups mixed leafy greens or chopped romaine lettuce

• 2 medium apples, one red and one green

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ¾ cup pecans, roughly chopped

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional

• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion, optional

For the Honey Dijon Dressing

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ¼ tsp salt, or to taste

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the greens

Wash the leafy greens thoroughly and dry them well. Place them in a large salad bowl.

Step 2: Slice the apples

Wash and core the apples, then cut them into thin slices or bite-sized pieces. You can use both red and green apples for a balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Tip: Toss the apple pieces with a little lemon juice to help prevent browning.

Step 3: Toast the pecans (optional)

Place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Let them cool before adding them to the salad.

Step 4: Make the dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until well combined.

Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity as desired.

Step 5: Assemble the salad

Add the apple slices, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and optional red onion to the greens. Sprinkle feta cheese over the top if using.

Step 6: Dress and serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently so the ingredients are evenly coated without bruising the greens.

Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish.

• Pair with a bowl of vegetable soup.

• Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a more filling vegetarian meal.

• Serve as a fresh side dish for a holiday dinner.

Estimated Nutrition Information

Approximate values per serving, assuming 6 servings with pecans and dressing but without optional feta:

Nutrition values vary according to apple size, dressing quantities, and ingredient brands.

Nut Information & Allergens

• Tree nuts: Contains pecans, which are tree nuts.

• Peanuts: Not intentionally included, but check product labels for cross-contact warnings.

• Dairy: Optional feta cheese contains dairy.

• Mustard: Dijon mustard may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

• Honey: Not suitable for children under 12 months.

• Gluten: The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free when all packaged ingredients are verified gluten-free.

Important allergy note: If serving someone with a tree-nut allergy, omit the pecans and prevent cross-contact with utensils, bowls, and preparation surfaces. Sunflower seeds may be an alternative only if safe for that person.

Recipe Q&A

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the greens, slice the other ingredients, and mix the dressing separately. Store everything covered in the refrigerator and combine just before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of pecans?

For a nut-free version, try roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, provided they are safe for your dietary needs.

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries?

Dried cranberries are sweeter and softer. Fresh cranberries are much more tart, so dried cranberries are generally the better choice for this salad.

Q: How do I keep apples from turning brown?

Toss the slices with a little lemon juice immediately after cutting.

Q: How should leftovers be stored?

Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 1–2 days for the best texture. Dressed salad is best eaten immediately.

Pro tip: Toasting the pecans brings out their flavor, while adding the dressing at the last moment keeps the greens crisp and fresh.