Ingredients
- 5 cups mixed green lettuce, chopped
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
- ½ cup pecan halves
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Simple Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Toast the pecans: Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently. Cool completely.
- Prepare the salad: Add lettuce, apple slices, cranberries, red onion, feta, parsley, and cooled pecans to a large bowl.
- Make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently until everything is lightly coated.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Nut Information
- Main nut: Pecans
- Amount: ½ cup
- Pecans provide healthy unsaturated fats, some protein, fiber, and minerals.
- Allergy: Contains tree nuts (pecans).
- For a nut-free version, replace pecans with roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Approx. Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 280–320 kcal
- Protein: 6–8 g
- Carbohydrates: 30–35 g
- Fat: 17–20 g
- Fiber: 5–6 g
- Sugar: 18–22 g
Nutrition will vary depending on the apple, feta, cranberries, and dressing quantities used.
Quick Q&A
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Prepare the ingredients and dressing separately and combine just before serving.
How do I stop apples from browning?
Toss sliced apples with a little lemon juice.
Can I use walnuts instead?
Yes, walnuts are an excellent substitute for pecans.
Can I add chicken?
Absolutely—add about 1½–2 cups cooked sliced chicken for a more filling meal.
Is it gluten-free?
The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check packaged ingredients such as mustard and dried cranberries for cross-contamination.