Cranberry Apple Pecan Bliss Salad

$- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, kale) - 1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji) - 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried if out of season) - 1/2 cup pecans, toasted - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - Salt and pepper to taste This salad is a bright mix of flavors and colors. The greens bring a fresh crunch. For the apple, I suggest using a Honeycrisp or Fuji. They add a sweet and juicy bite. If apples are not in season, you can use dried cranberries. Just make sure they are unsweetened to keep the taste balanced. The pecans add a toasty crunch. Toast them in a dry pan over low heat for about 5 minutes. You want them fragrant but not burnt. If you like cheese, you can add feta for a creamy touch. For the dressing, you need olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and some salt and pepper. This mix ties everything together and makes the salad pop. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a tasty and healthy dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, rinse and dry the fresh cranberries. This will help remove any dirt and enhance their taste. If you prefer dried cranberries, make sure they are unsweetened. This keeps the balance of flavors just right. Next, let’s toast the pecans. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them for about five minutes until they smell fragrant. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Toasted pecans add a warm, nutty flavor to the salad. When slicing the apple, use a sharp knife for clean cuts. I love using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. These varieties are sweet and crisp. Slice the apple thinly to ensure every bite has a bit of the juicy flavor. Now, let's make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. This mix brings a sweet and tangy taste. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper for extra flavor. Taste it and adjust as needed. You want it to be just right. For the best flavor, layer your ingredients. Start with the mixed salad greens at the bottom. Next, add the sliced apple, cranberries, and toasted pecans. If you choose to use feta cheese, sprinkle it on top. This adds a creamy contrast to the crunchy salad. When serving, you have two great options. You can divide the salad into individual plates for a nice touch. Or, serve it family-style in a big bowl. This makes it easy for everyone to help themselves. For a special look, arrange the salad in layers. A clear bowl shows off the colorful ingredients beautifully. Choosing the right apple makes a big difference. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crunchy. Fuji apples also have a nice sweetness. Granny Smith apples are tart and great for a different flavor. Each type gives a unique taste to the salad. I recommend using Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best results. You can change the dressing if you want. Try using lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar. This gives a bright flavor. For sweetness, consider agave syrup instead of maple syrup. Both options will keep your salad fresh and tasty. You can mix and match to find your favorite. Making your salad look good is fun! Layer the salad in a clear bowl for a great view. This shows off the bright colors of the cranberries and greens. You can also add extra cranberries and pecans on top for a fancy touch. This small step makes your dish look more inviting and appetizing. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apple: Opt for sweet and crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a refreshing crunch. Toast the Pecans: To enhance their flavor, toast the pecans until they are fragrant. This adds depth to the salad. Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the greens crisp, add the dressing right before serving the salad. Experiment with Cheese: Try goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for different flavor profiles that complement the salad. {{image_2}} You can boost the Cranberry Apple Pecan Salad with protein. Try adding grilled chicken for a savory twist. Simply slice it thin and toss it in. You can also use chickpeas or black beans for a plant-based option. These additions make the salad more filling and satisfying. Adapting this salad for different seasons makes it fun. In spring, add fresh strawberries for a sweet touch. In summer, include peach slices for a juicy bite. In fall, swap the apple for a pear. You can change the dressing too. A citrus vinaigrette can brighten up the winter months. Making this salad vegan is easy. Skip the feta cheese and use a vegan dressing. For gluten-free eaters, ensure your dressing does not contain gluten. You can also check for gluten-free beans if you add them. These changes keep everyone happy at the table. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps avoid wilting. If possible, separate the dressing from the salad until you are ready to eat. Mixing the dressing in too early makes greens soggy. Use a clean spoon each time you serve to keep it fresh. When stored properly, your salad lasts about three days in the fridge. The greens may start to lose their crispness after a day or two. The apples can brown quickly, so eat them sooner. Cranberries and pecans stay good longer, about a week. You can make parts of this salad ahead of time. Wash and dry the greens, then keep them in the fridge. Slice the apples just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh. You can also prepare the dressing a day ahead. Just shake it well before using to mix it back up. To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese. You can use a vegan cheese or leave it out completely. For the dressing, replace the maple syrup with agave syrup, if desired. Check that your olive oil is pure and free of animal products. Yes, you can use dried cranberries. They will add a sweet flavor. However, dried cranberries may change the salad's texture. Fresh cranberries provide a nice tart bite, while dried ones are sweeter and chewier. You can customize this salad to your taste! Add grilled chicken for protein or chickpeas for a vegan option. Other great additions include avocado, sliced almonds, or even orange segments for a citrus twist. This salad is nutritious and delicious. A serving has about 200 calories. It contains around 10 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of protein. Adjust the ingredients for different nutritional needs. This blog post provided a detailed guide on making cranberry apple pecan salad. We covered ingredients, preparation steps, and how to assemble the dish. You learned about choosing apples, dressing variations, and ways to make the salad visually appealing. I also shared tips for storage and customization. Enjoy creating this tasty salad, whether you're serving it to family or friends. Each step is simple and fun, making it easy to adapt to your tastes. Happy cooking!$

Cranberry Apple Pecan Bliss Salad

A refreshing salad featuring mixed greens, apples, cranberries, pecans, and a tangy dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, kale)
1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried if out of season)
0.5 cup pecans, toasted
0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.25 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: If using fresh cranberries, rinse and dry them thoroughly. If using dried cranberries, ensure they are unsweetened for a more balanced flavor. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until fragrant, shaking frequently to avoid burning.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, add the mixed salad greens, sliced apple, cranberries, toasted pecans, and red onion. If you're using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
Serve: Divide the salad among individual plates or serve it family-style in a large bowl.

Notes

For an elegant touch, arrange the salad ingredients in layers inside a clear glass bowl and drizzle the dressing over the top just before serving. You can garnish with additional cranberries and pecans for visual appeal.

Keyword apple, cranberry, healthy, pecan, salad