Can I make the Apple Pecan Fall Salad ahead of time?

While the salad is best served fresh, you can prepare most components ahead of time. The honey mustard dressing can be made a day before and stored in the refrigerator. However, it’s recommended to add the apples, pears, and nuts just before serving to prevent the fruit from browning and the nuts from becoming soggy.

Can I substitute blue cheese in this recipe?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can easily substitute it with feta cheese, goat cheese, or even Parmesan. Each option brings a different flavor profile, allowing you to adjust the salad to your taste preferences.

How can I store leftovers of this Apple Pecan Fall Salad?

Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate and lightly toss the salad with a bit of the dressing before serving to avoid wilting. To preserve the freshness of the fruit, avoid storing the dressed salad for too long.

What can I serve with Apple Pecan Fall Salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with dishes like creamy tomato bisque, spinach balls, or cornbread. For a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken or roasted turkey on top for an added protein boost.

Apple Pecan Fall Salad - 10-Minute Recipe for Fall

Name: Apple Pecan Fall Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups mixed greens; 1 apple (diced, Jonathan, Fuji, or Gala preferred); 1 pear (diced); 1/3 cup craisins; 1/2 cup blue cheese (substitute with feta if preferred); 1/2 cup salted pecans; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Description

This Apple Pecan Fall Salad is the perfect autumn dish that blends the sweet flavors of apples and pears with crunchy pecans and tangy blue cheese. Tossed in a homemade honey mustard dressing, it’s a fresh and healthy salad that makes a great side dish for holiday meals or a light, satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups mixed greens
1 apple (diced, Jonathan, Fuji, or Gala preferred)
1 pear (diced)
1/3 cup craisins
1/2 cup blue cheese (substitute with feta if preferred)
1/2 cup salted pecans
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

In a mason jar, combine olive oil, lime juice, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake well to combine.
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apple, diced pear, craisins, blue cheese, and salted pecans.
Toss the salad gently to combine.
Serve with the dressing on the side to avoid wilting the salad.

Notes

For best results, prepare the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature and shake well before serving.
If you prefer a milder cheese, swap the blue cheese for feta or goat cheese.
Store leftover salad in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
For a more festive touch, try using candied pecans instead of salted pecans.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg