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To make this Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad, you will need: - 2 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced - 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried if out of season) - ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped - ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for creaminess) - 2 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - Salt and pepper to taste You can add a few optional items to enhance your salad. Consider adding: - Sliced avocado for creaminess - Chopped celery for crunch - Dried figs for sweetness - A sprinkle of sunflower seeds for extra protein This salad packs a punch of nutrition. Here are some benefits of the main ingredients: - Apples provide fiber and vitamin C, supporting heart health. - Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, promoting good health. - Pecans add healthy fats and protein for energy. - Spinach is loaded with vitamins A and K, boosting immunity. - Olive oil offers healthy monounsaturated fats, good for your heart. - Honey or maple syrup adds natural sweetness with antioxidants. This combination makes the Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad not just tasty, but also a smart choice for your meals. For the full recipe, check out the section above. First, gather your fresh ingredients. Aim for two medium apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Next, grab a cup of fresh cranberries, or dried ones if they’re out of season. You’ll also need half a cup of pecans, chopped roughly, and a quarter cup of red onion, sliced thin. If you want a creamy touch, add a quarter cup of crumbled feta cheese. Don’t forget two cups of fresh spinach or mixed greens. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, cranberries, chopped pecans, red onion, and feta cheese if you chose to use it. This mix brings together sweet, tart, and crunchy flavors, making it a delight! Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. Then, mix in one tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Finally, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until it’s smooth and well combined. This dressing will tie all the salad ingredients together. Drizzle the dressing over your apple and cranberry mixture. Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients. Be careful not to mash the apples or greens. After everything is mixed, add the fresh spinach or mixed greens. Toss lightly again to combine. This adds a lovely green color and extra nutrients. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt or pepper. Serve immediately for a fresh and crisp taste. You can also chill it for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. For a pretty presentation, serve in a large bowl and top with extra pecans and cranberries. Enjoy your Apple Cranberry Pecan Delight! When you choose apples, pick ones that feel firm and smell sweet. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options. For cranberries, look for bright, shiny berries. They should be plump, not shriveled. If fresh cranberries are hard to find, dried cranberries work too. Select pecans that are crunchy and smell nutty. The red onion should be firm and have vibrant color. Fresh spinach or mixed greens should look crisp and green. This salad shines when served fresh. You can present it in a large bowl for sharing. For a festive touch, sprinkle extra pecans and whole cranberries on top. You might also add crumbled feta cheese for creaminess. Serve it as a side dish at dinner or as a light lunch. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a full meal. Avoid using overripe apples; they make the salad mushy. Don’t skip the dressing; it brings all the flavors together. When mixing, be gentle to keep the greens crisp. If you prepare the salad ahead of time, the greens can wilt. Always taste it before serving to adjust the seasoning. You want the right balance of sweet and tangy. For the full recipe, check out the Apple Cranberry Pecan Delight. {{image_2}} You can swap the apples for pears. Pears add a sweet touch to your salad. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, use dried ones. Dried cranberries work well and stay sweet. You can also replace pecans with walnuts or almonds. Both nuts give a nice crunch and flavor. In fall, add roasted butternut squash for warmth. It pairs nicely with apples and cranberries. In spring or summer, use juicy strawberries or peaches instead of apples. These fruits bring a fresh taste. Try adding herbs like mint or basil for a new twist. They add bright flavors and make the salad pop. This salad is easy to make vegan. Just leave out the feta cheese, or use a vegan cheese. You can also skip honey and use maple syrup for sweetness. For gluten-free options, this salad is already safe. Just check that your dressing ingredients are gluten-free. Enjoy this salad with any meal while keeping it healthy! You can find the full recipe for more details on how to make it. To keep your apple cranberry pecan salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the greens from wilting. If you have dressing left, store it separately. This way, your salad stays crisp and tasty. You can store the salad in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the apples may brown, and the greens lose their crunch. Always check for freshness before eating leftovers. If the salad looks or smells off, it’s best to discard it. I do not recommend freezing this salad. Freezing affects the texture of the apples and greens. However, you can freeze the dressing. Just store it in a small container or jar. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section. This salad stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. The apples may brown, but they still taste great. Store it in an airtight container to keep it crisp. Yes, you can prep this salad ahead. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. Mix everything right before serving for the best taste and texture. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes great with a warm soup. For a full meal, serve it with whole-grain bread or a hearty grain dish. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! This blog post shared key ingredients for a tasty Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad. We covered the steps to prepare, mix, and serve it well. I discussed tips to pick fresh items, avoid common mistakes, and offered variations for different diets. Storing leftovers is simple, and I provided answers to common questions. Enjoy making this healthy salad often. It’s easy and fun to share with others. Dive into the flavors and get creative with your salad!

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

Experience the vibrant flavors of our Apple Cranberry Pecan Delight salad! This easy recipe combines crisp apples, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta for a fresh and festive dish. Perfect as a side or a light meal, it’s a quick preparation that packs a punch of taste.
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Ingredients
  

2 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced

1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried if out of season)

½ cup pecans, roughly chopped

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for creaminess)

2 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, fresh cranberries, chopped pecans, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until smooth.

      Drizzle the dressing over the apple and cranberry mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.

        Add the fresh spinach or mixed greens to the bowl, tossing lightly to incorporate without bruising the leaves.

          Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or sweetener if desired.

            Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

              Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 15 min | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl for sharing, garnished with a sprinkle of extra pecans on top and a few whole cranberries for a festive touch.