Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad – 5-Star Fall Salad Recipe

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors, perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations. This crisp and refreshing salad blends the sweetness of apples, the tartness of cranberries, and the warmth of candied pecans, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re looking to elevate your Thanksgiving spread or prepare a quick and easy weeknight meal, this salad is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

This Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is not just delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s a perfect balance of textures, with crunchy candied pecans, crisp apples, and soft feta. The addition of bacon gives it a savory touch, while the tangy dressing enhances the overall flavors. It’s a quick, healthy, and festive option for any occasion.

Ingredients

The key to making this Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant dish:

• Bacon: Adds a savory, smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Offers a tangy note to balance the sweetness of the salad.

• Shallot: Brings a mild, sweet onion flavor to the dressing.

• Dijon Mustard: Provides depth and a bit of sharpness to the dressing.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A healthy fat that blends the dressing together and adds richness.

• Honey: Sweetens the dressing while complementing the tartness of the cranberries and apples.

• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Kale: The hearty, nutrient-packed greens that form the base of this salad. Their texture holds up well to the dressing.

• Apple: The star of the salad, offering sweetness and crunch.

• Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness.

• Dried Sweetened Cranberries: Provide a tart, chewy contrast to the sweetness of the apples and honey.

• Crumbled Feta Cheese: The creamy, salty touch that balances the salad.

For the Candied Pecans:

• Egg White: Helps create a crispy coating for the pecans.

• Sugar: Sweetens the pecans, creating a caramelized effect.

• Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavor of the pecans.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Brings a warm, fall-inspired flavor to the pecans.

• Cayenne Pepper (Optional): Adds a touch of heat, balancing the sweetness.

• Pecan Halves: The crunchy base for the candied topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this refreshing Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad:

1. Cook the Bacon: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
2. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, shallot, and Dijon mustard. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Then, whisk in the olive oil and honey. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Kale: Add the shredded kale to the bowl with the dressing. Massage the kale for about a minute to soften it and help it absorb the dressing.
4. Assemble the Salad: Top the dressed kale with the cooked bacon, diced apple, sliced celery, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and the candied pecans. Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients evenly.

For the Candied Pecans:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Whisk the Egg White: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy, about 1-2 minutes. Then, add the sugar, kosher salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Coat the Pecans: Stir in the pecans until they are evenly coated with the egg white mixture.
4. Bake the Pecans: Spread the pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Once they’re golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.

Tips & Tricks

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the candied pecans ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Massage the Kale: Don’t skip massaging the kale! It softens the leaves and helps the dressing absorb better, making the salad more flavorful.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little extra honey or maple syrup to taste.
• Alternative Greens: If you’re not a fan of kale, try substituting it with spinach or arugula for a different texture and flavor.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Try it alongside:

• Roast Chicken: The light, savory flavor of roast chicken complements the sweet and savory profile of the salad.
• Grilled Salmon: The fresh and tangy notes of the salad pair beautifully with the richness of grilled salmon.
• Vegan Version: Skip the bacon and feta cheese for a plant-based version of this salad. You can substitute with roasted chickpeas or avocado for added texture.

For make-ahead options, you can prep the salad ingredients separately and assemble them just before serving to maintain the freshness of the greens.

Health Benefits of Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

This salad is packed with nutrients! Kale is a powerhouse of vitamins A, K, and C, while the apples provide fiber and antioxidants. The cranberries add vitamin C and are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The candied pecans provide healthy fats and a satisfying crunch, making this a balanced, nutrient-dense dish.

Conclusion

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is the perfect recipe for bringing a burst of fall flavors to your table. This vibrant salad combines sweet, tangy, and savory ingredients, making it a well-rounded dish that can stand alone or accompany a variety of main courses. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or a simple weeknight meal, it’s sure to impress. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy feta, crunchy candied pecans, and fresh, crisp greens makes this salad a flavorful treat that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into your meals, making it both delicious and nutritious.

FAQs

More Relevant Recipes

• Pineapple Quick Bread: A moist and sweet bread made with pineapple, offering a tropical twist that’s perfect for brunch or a snack. This bread’s fruity flavor pairs wonderfully with salads, making it a great side dish option for an apple-based salad like the Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad.
• Boursin Mac and Cheese: A creamy and indulgent take on the classic mac and cheese, with the addition of Boursin cheese for an extra burst of flavor. This dish is rich and comforting, providing a perfect contrast to the light, crisp Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad.
• Easy Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake: A tangy, fruity dessert with a smooth lemon filling and a swirl of raspberry, offering the same fresh fruit flavor notes as the Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad. This cheesecake makes for a great dessert pairing with the salad for a balanced, fruity meal.

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