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Crisp Apple Pecan Salad

A fresh and fabulous salad featuring crisp apples, toasted pecans, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette that's perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups mixed baby greens (or your favorite lettuce)
  • 2 medium crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and sliced
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted Toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (or raisins) Use raisins if you prefer.
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled Optional but adds a great flavor.
For the Tangy Apple Cider Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan alternative)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Toast the pecans by tossing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and feta cheese (if using).
  2. Drizzle the vinaigrette right before serving to prevent the greens from getting soggy.
Serving
  1. Toss the salad gently and serve it immediately.

Notes

For extra crunch, add crispy bacon bits. You can swap apples for seasonal fruits like pears or peaches. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and consume within a day for the freshest flavor. Keep the vinaigrette separate to maintain crispness.