Mediterranean Crispy Apple Pecan Blue Cheese Salad with Mixed Greens, Honey Vinaigrette & Dried Cranberries
Mediterranean Crispy Apple Pecan Blue Cheese Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed salad that balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes in every bite. Crisp apples, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries provide texture and sweetness, while blue cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast. Tossed with fresh mixed greens and finished with a light honey vinaigrette, this salad embodies the essence of Mediterranean flavors: fresh, seasonal ingredients with bold, complementary tastes. Perfect as a light lunch, a starter, or a side for a hearty meal, it’s both satisfying and visually stunning.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes (for toasting pecans)
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the salad:
6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine, or spring mix)
2 crisp apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting nuts)
For the honey vinaigrette:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat a small skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
Toast pecans in the skillet for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and cooled toasted pecans.
Drizzle half of the honey vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
Crumble blue cheese over the top of the salad.
Arrange the salad attractively, distributing fruit, nuts, and cheese evenly.
Taste and drizzle more vinaigrette if needed.
Serve immediately to maintain crispness of the greens and apples.
Optionally, garnish with extra chopped pecans or a light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
Tips
Use fresh, firm apples for the best crunch and sweetness.
Toast nuts lightly to enhance their natural flavor without burning.
Choose a mild blue cheese if you prefer less pungency.
Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning; toss with a splash of lemon juice if prepping early.
Use a whisk or small jar to emulsify the vinaigrette for a smooth finish.
Toss the salad gently to avoid breaking the delicate greens and blue cheese.
Taste the dressing before serving; adjust honey or vinegar for balance.
Serve immediately after tossing to maintain crisp textures.
Mix different greens for color, texture, and flavor contrast.
Refrigerate ingredients separately if making ahead, and assemble just before serving.
Variations
Substitute walnuts for pecans for a slightly different nutty flavor.
Replace blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for milder creaminess.
Use pears instead of apples for a softer, sweeter fruit.
Add roasted beets for an earthy and colorful twist.
Include sliced avocado for creaminess and extra nutrients.
Sprinkle pomegranate seeds for a burst of juiciness and color.
Add cooked quinoa or farro to make it a heartier main salad.
Use maple syrup in the vinaigrette instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
Include fresh herbs such as mint or basil for an aromatic accent.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dressing for a subtle warm spice.
Q & A
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the greens, apples, nuts, and dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry first to avoid excess moisture.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, it contains no meat but includes dairy (blue cheese).
Can I make it vegan?
Omit or substitute blue cheese with a plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week. Shake well before using.
Can I add protein?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu pair well with the salad.
How can I prevent apples from browning?
Toss apple slices with a small amount of lemon juice immediately after slicing.
Can I use other greens?
Yes, any crisp, fresh greens such as kale, butter lettuce, or radicchio work well.
How spicy is the salad?
It is mild; optional black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes can add subtle heat.
Can I serve this salad warm?
Yes, slightly warm roasted pecans can be used, but the greens and apples are best served fresh and crisp.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 320
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 380mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Crispy Apple Pecan Blue Cheese Salad with Mixed Greens, Honey Vinaigrette & Dried Cranberries is a delightful blend of textures and flavors: crisp greens, sweet-tart fruit, nutty crunch, and creamy tangy cheese. The honey vinaigrette ties all elements together, offering a light, balanced dressing that complements without overpowering. This salad is versatile enough to serve as a starter, a side, or a light main course, and it embodies the Mediterranean philosophy of fresh, seasonal ingredients combined with bold, harmonious flavors. Easy to prepare yet visually impressive, it’s perfect for casual meals, dinner parties, or holiday gatherings.