🍏 Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad – Sweet, Crunchy, and Perfect for Holidays

Looking for a salad that combines crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans with a light, tangy dressing? The Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is the perfect choice. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also balances flavors and textures in a way that keeps every bite interesting.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply want a refreshing side dish, this salad is easy to prepare, healthy, and crowd-pleasing.

🥗 Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Sweet and Tangy Flavor: Crisp apples and tart cranberries balance perfectly with nutty pecans and creamy cheese.
• Textural Contrast: Crunchy pecans, juicy apple slices, and tender greens make every bite satisfying.
• Easy to Make: Assemble in minutes with minimal prep.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped a few hours ahead, just toss with dressing before serving.
• Versatile: Works as a holiday side dish, light lunch, or dinner salad.

🥄 Ingredients

For the Salad

• 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, and romaine)
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup toasted pecans
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

🥗 Instructions

1. Prepare the salad base: Wash and dry the mixed greens. Place them in a large salad bowl.
2. Slice the apples: Core and thinly slice apples. To prevent browning, toss slices with a teaspoon of lemon juice.
3. Toast the pecans: Heat a small skillet over medium heat and toast pecans for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
4. Assemble the salad: Add apple slices, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and cheese to the greens. Toss gently.
5. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
6. Dress the salad: Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss lightly to combine.
7. Serve immediately: Garnish with extra pecans or cranberries if desired.

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

A vibrant salad with crisp apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and a tangy maple dressing – perfect for holidays or healthy meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 220

Ingredients

  

Salad

• 6 cups mixed greens
• 2 medium apples thinly sliced
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries
• 0.5 cup toasted pecans
• 0.25 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese optional

Dressing

• 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

• Salad bowl
• Small skillet
• Knife
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Wash and dry mixed greens, place in a large salad bowl.
2. Core and thinly slice apples, toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Toast pecans in a small skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Cool.
4. Add apple slices, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and cheese to the greens. Toss gently.
5. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup or honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
6. Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to combine.
7. Garnish with extra pecans or cranberries if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Can add roasted squash, quinoa, or pomegranate seeds for seasonal variation.

🍏 Tips for the Perfect Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

• Choose firm apples: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala hold up well and stay crunchy.
• Avoid soggy greens: Wash and dry thoroughly. Spinach or arugula can get watery if left wet.
• Customize the nuts: Walnuts or almonds work as a substitute for pecans.
• Make it ahead: Prepare all ingredients except dressing 2–3 hours in advance. Add dressing just before serving to keep salad crisp.
• Add protein: Grilled chicken, turkey, or shrimp makes this salad a hearty main course.

🌟 Fun Variations

1. Autumn Harvest Salad: Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potato cubes for a fall-inspired twist.
2. Cranberry Pecan Power Salad: Include quinoa or farro for a protein boost and extra texture.
3. Festive Holiday Salad: Toss in pomegranate seeds for a splash of color and added tartness.
4. Vegan Version: Omit cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted turkey or ham for a complete holiday meal.
• Serve as a refreshing starter before heavier dishes.
• Offer as part of a buffet alongside warm casseroles, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.

🥗 Health Benefits

• Apples are rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber.
• Cranberries provide vitamin C and support urinary health.
• Pecans are a source of healthy fats and protein.
• Olive oil in the dressing adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

⭐ Conclusion

The Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is a colorful, flavorful, and nutritious addition to any meal. It combines sweet, tart, and nutty elements that create a satisfying crunch with every bite. Easy to prepare, visually stunning, and versatile, it’s perfect for holiday dinners, lunch, or anytime you crave a fresh, autumn-inspired salad.

Bring this salad to your table, and it’s sure to impress family and friends with both its flavor and elegance.