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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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
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.