🎉 Introduction
This Easy Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is everything a perfect salad should be — fresh, flavorful, and bursting with texture. 🥗✨
It combines crisp apples, chewy dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans tossed over a bed of mixed greens, then drizzled with a light balsamic vinaigrette.
Each bite delivers the ideal balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors. It’s a salad that looks beautiful, tastes amazing, and comes together in minutes. Perfect for busy days, quick lunches, or as a refreshing side for dinner, this dish proves that simplicity often creates the best flavor.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large salad bowl
- Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Salad tongs
🛒 Ingredients
🥬 For the Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1 fresh apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened preferred)
- ½ cup pecans, raw or toasted
🍯 For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
(Optional: 1 tsp honey or maple syrup for a mild sweetness)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and dry the mixed greens. Slice the apple into thin wedges just before assembling the salad to prevent browning.
Step 2 – Toast the Pecans (Optional)
If you prefer extra crunch and depth of flavor, toast the pecans:
Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3 – Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
If desired, add a little honey or maple syrup to balance the tanginess. Whisk until emulsified and smooth.
Step 4 – Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, apple slices, dried cranberries, and pecans.
Step 5 – Dress and Toss
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6 – Serve Fresh
Transfer to plates and serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and crisp!
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if toasting pecans)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Dressing: Store separately in a jar for up to 1 week. Shake before using.
- Freezing: Not recommended — fresh produce loses texture once frozen.
💡 Tip: To prevent apples from browning, toss them in a few drops of lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
🥄 Variations
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add crumbled feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese for creamy richness.
- Nut Swap: Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or candied pecans.
- Fruity Twist: Add mandarin oranges, blueberries, or pomegranate seeds.
- Vegan Version: Replace honey with maple syrup or skip sweetener entirely.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a full meal.
- Citrus Style: Swap balsamic for orange juice and lemon zest for a bright citrus kick.
- Autumn Version: Add pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of cinnamon for cozy fall flavor.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What kind of apple works best?
Crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala give the best texture and flavor.
2. Can I use sweetened cranberries?
Yes, but reduce or skip the honey in the dressing for balance.
3. Should I peel the apple?
No need — the peel adds color, texture, and nutrients.
4. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, just keep dressing and apples separate until serving time.
5. How can I keep pecans crunchy?
Toast them fresh before assembling or store them separately until ready to serve.
6. Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic?
Absolutely! It adds a lighter, fruity tang.
7. How do I make it more filling?
Add quinoa, couscous, or cooked chicken breast.
8. Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries are preferred, but if you use fresh, cook them briefly with a touch of honey to soften.
9. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, and it even tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld.
10. What pairs well with this salad?
It complements roasted meats, grilled fish, soups, or even pasta dishes.
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is proof that you don’t need many ingredients to make something incredible. 🍎🌿
The crisp apples, chewy cranberries, and toasted pecans come together in perfect harmony — fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor. The simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy, glossy finish.
It’s a salad that feels light yet satisfying, fancy yet effortless — perfect for every occasion, from weekday lunches to holiday dinners.
Easy Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad — Crisp, Sweet & Freshly Balanced
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Equipment
Method
- Wash and dry the mixed greens. Slice the apple into thin wedges just before assembling the salad to prevent browning.
- If you prefer extra crunch and depth of flavor, toast the pecans:
- Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- If desired, add a little honey or maple syrup to balance the tanginess. Whisk until emulsified and smooth.
- In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, apple slices, dried cranberries, and pecans.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to plates and serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and crisp!
Notes
Crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala give the best texture and flavor. 2. Can I use sweetened cranberries?
Yes, but reduce or skip the honey in the dressing for balance. 3. Should I peel the apple?
No need — the peel adds color, texture, and nutrients. 4. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, just keep dressing and apples separate until serving time. 5. How can I keep pecans crunchy?
Toast them fresh before assembling or store them separately until ready to serve. 6. Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic?
Absolutely! It adds a lighter, fruity tang. 7. How do I make it more filling?
Add quinoa, couscous, or cooked chicken breast. 8. Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries are preferred, but if you use fresh, cook them briefly with a touch of honey to soften. 9. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, and it even tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld. 10. What pairs well with this salad?
It complements roasted meats, grilled fish, soups, or even pasta dishes. 🏁 Conclusion This Easy Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is proof that you don’t need many ingredients to make something incredible. 🍎🌿 The crisp apples, chewy cranberries, and toasted pecans come together in perfect harmony — fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor. The simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy, glossy finish. It’s a salad that feels light yet satisfying, fancy yet effortless — perfect for every occasion, from weekday lunches to holiday dinners.
