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Irresistible Harvest Apple Salad with Candied Pecans

harvest apple salad with candied pecans - featured image
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A fresh and satisfying fall salad combining crisp apples, candied pecans, mixed greens, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup pecan halves, toasted and coated with brown sugar and cinnamon
  • 4 cups baby spinach and arugula blend
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for candied pecans)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for candied pecans)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add pecan halves, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir constantly for 4-5 minutes until sugar melts and coats pecans evenly. Transfer pecans to parchment paper to cool and harden (about 10 minutes).
  2. Wash and dry greens: Rinse baby spinach and arugula blend under cold water. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 5 minutes).
  3. Slice the apples: Core and thinly slice apples, keeping the skin on. To prevent browning, toss slices immediately with a splash of lemon juice if desired.
  4. Slice red onion (optional): Thinly slice red onion rings. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes if a milder flavor is preferred.
  5. Make the dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified and slightly thickened (3-4 minutes).
  6. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine greens, apple slices, dried cranberries, and red onion. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat. Add crumbled goat cheese or feta, then sprinkle cooled candied pecans on top.
  7. Final touch: Gently toss the salad once more before serving to distribute pecans without crushing them. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use firm, crisp apples to prevent sogginess. Candy pecans over medium heat to avoid burning sugar. Toss salad just before serving to keep greens crisp and apples fresh. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and omit cheese or use vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple salad, candied pecans, fall salad, harvest salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, autumn recipe, mixed greens salad

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/irresistible-harvest-apple-salad-with-candied-pecans-easy-recipe/