Why Make This Recipe

Crisp Apple-Pecan Salad with Vinaigrette is a refreshing and crunchy dish that combines the sweet crunch of apples with the rich taste of toasted pecans. This salad is perfect as a side or main course, especially during warm weather. It is nutritious, colorful, and very easy to prepare, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner.

How to Make Crisp Apple-Pecan Salad with Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mixed greens
• 2 cups apples, diced
• 1 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apples, toasted pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
4. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

How to Serve Crisp Apple-Pecan Salad with Vinaigrette

This salad is best served fresh. You can present it in a large bowl for sharing or on individual plates. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great addition to any meal. You can also enjoy it on its own for a light lunch.

How to Store Crisp Apple-Pecan Salad with Vinaigrette

If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately. Keep the salad mix and toppings in one container and the vinaigrette in another. This will help prevent the greens from wilting. Store everything in the refrigerator and try to use it within one day for the best quality.

Tips to Make Crisp Apple-Pecan Salad with Vinaigrette

• Use a mix of apples for different flavors and colors.
• Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
• For a sweeter touch, add a few sunflower seeds or dried cranberries.
• Adjust the dressing’s sweetness by adding more or less honey.

Variation

You can customize this salad by adding other ingredients such as grilled chicken, avocado, or even different types of cheese like goat cheese. Swap out the nuts for walnuts or almonds if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the salad shortly before serving. However, you can prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance and store them separately.

2. What kind of apples should I use?
Firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well. You can also use a mix of sweet and tart apples for more flavor.

3. What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you don’t like feta, you can use goat cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.