Description

This Apple Salad combines crisp, thinly sliced apples with mixed greens, crunchy candied pecans, tangy blue cheese, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a zesty apple cider vinaigrette. The homemade candied pecans add a delightful sweet crunch that elevates the salad, making it perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Candied Pecans

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons water
1 cup pecans

Salad

6 cups mixed greens
2 apples, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Dressing

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 shallot, finely chopped
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Candy Pecans: In a skillet over medium heat, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, kosher salt, and water. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the pecans and toss continuously to coat them thoroughly with the sugary mixture. Let the pecans simmer for about 5 minutes until they become sticky and caramelized. Remove the skillet from heat and spread the candied pecans out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Allow them to cool completely before adding to the salad. Store any extra candied pecans in an airtight container for up to one week.
Assemble Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, cooled candied pecans, crumbled blue cheese, and dried cranberries. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly. Refrigerate the salad until you are ready to serve to keep the greens crisp.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl or glass jar, whisk together apple cider vinegar, finely chopped shallot, Dijon mustard, and extra-virgin olive oil. Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk or shake well to emulsify the dressing.
Dress and Serve: When ready to eat, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors.

Notes

For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before candying them.
You can substitute blue cheese with feta or goat cheese if preferred.
Choose apples that are crisp and tart, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for the best flavor contrast.
The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Whisk or shake before using.
If you want a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple salad, candied pecans, blue cheese salad, mixed greens salad, autumn salad, dried cranberry salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe