Apple Pecan Harvest Salad
This Apple Pecan Harvest Salad is a perfect blend of crisp apples, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a delicious homemade apple cider vinaigrette. It’s a light, refreshing, and nutritious salad that’s great for fall but enjoyable year-round. Serve it as a side dish or top it with grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasted pecans)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
Ingredients
For the Salad:
6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
1 large apple (sliced, Honey crisp or Granny Smith for best flavor)
½ cup toasted pecans (chopped)
⅓ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans (Optional but recommended)
1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the pecans for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
1. In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens.
2. Top with sliced apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and red onion
3. Drizzle with the apple cider vinaigrette and gently toss to coat.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately as a side dish or top with grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fats: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 250mg
Serving Suggestions
Pair with grilled proteins like chicken, steak, or shrimp.
Serve with warm crusty bread or a light soup for a balanced meal.
Make it heartier by adding quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, or chickpeas.
Recipe Notes & Variations
Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Dairy-Free Version: Use avocado instead of cheese.
Different Fruits: Swap apples for pears or pomegranate seeds.
This Apple Pecan Harvest Salad is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.