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Easy Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad — Crisp, Sweet & Freshly Balanced

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

  • Large salad bowl
  • Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
  • Whisk or fork
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Salad tongs

Method
 

Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients
  1. 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)
  1. If you prefer extra crunch and depth of flavor, toast the pecans:
  2. 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
  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  2. If desired, add a little honey or maple syrup to balance the tanginess. Whisk until emulsified and smooth.
Step 4 – Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, apple slices, dried cranberries, and pecans.
Step 5 – Dress and Toss
  1. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6 – Serve Fresh
  1. Transfer to plates and serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and crisp!

Notes

🧊 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.