Description
A quick and easy harvest salad with crisp apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and a tangy maple-Dijon dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for fall gatherings or a healthy weeknight side.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach and arugula blend recommended)
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Toast the pecans: Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Remove from pan immediately and set aside to cool.
- Make the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until emulsified and slightly creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prepare the apples: Core the apple and slice thinly. If making ahead, toss with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, crumbled feta (if using), and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle about half the dressing over the top.
- Toss and serve: Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Add more dressing if needed. Serve immediately while pecans are still slightly warm.
Notes
Toast pecans carefully as they burn quickly. For best results, dry greens thoroughly before adding dressing. This salad is best served immediately; prep components separately if making ahead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 c
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 5
Keywords: apple pecan salad, harvest salad, fall salad, quick salad, easy salad, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, vegetarian salad