Apple Pecan Salad Recipe
Description
Apple Pecan Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and slightly sweet salad that combines crisp apples, toasted pecans, fresh greens, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or even a holiday salad. The sweetness of apples balances beautifully with the nutty flavor of pecans and the creamy dressing.
This salad is quick to prepare, nutritious, and full of texture—from crisp apples to crunchy nuts and fresh leafy greens.
Preparation & Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for toasting pecans)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Salad
4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
2 medium apples (thinly sliced)
½ cup pecans
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
¼ small red onion (thinly sliced)
For the Dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Toast the Pecans
Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat.
Toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant.
Remove from heat and let them cool.
2️⃣ Prepare the Salad Base
Wash and dry the salad greens thoroughly.
Slice the apples thinly. (You can leave the peel on for extra color and nutrients.)
Thinly slice the red onion.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
olive oil
apple cider vinegar
honey
Dijon mustard
Add salt and pepper to taste.
4️⃣ Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, add the salad greens.
Top with sliced apples, toasted pecans, cranberries, red onion, and cheese.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
5️⃣ Toss & Serve
Gently toss the salad so everything is lightly coated with dressing. Serve immediately.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Apple pecan salad pairs well with:
Grilled chicken
Roasted turkey
Baked salmon
Whole-grain bread or dinner rolls
🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 14 g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What apples are best for apple pecan salad?
Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work best because they add sweetness and crunch.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate and add the apples just before serving to prevent browning.
3. How do I keep apples from turning brown?
Toss apple slices with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
4. Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes! Great additions include:
Grilled chicken
Roasted turkey
Chickpeas
Quinoa
5. Can I substitute pecans with another nut?
Absolutely. You can use:
Walnuts
Almonds
Cashews
6. Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian. If you want it vegan, replace the cheese and honey with plant-based alternatives.
Tip: For an extra flavor boost, drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top before serving