Apple Salad with Candied Pecans, Blue Cheese, and Cranberries Recipe
A refreshing and flavorful Apple Salad featuring mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, candied pecans, blue cheese, and dried cranberries, tossed with a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Candied Pecans
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup pecans
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
For the 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 pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Candy Pecans: Heat a skillet over medium heat and combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, kosher salt, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then add the pecans. Toss the pecans constantly until they are fully coated with the syrup and let them simmer for about 5 minutes until sticky. Remove from heat and spread the pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, cooled candied pecans, crumbled blue cheese, and dried cranberries. Refrigerate the mixture until you are ready to dress and serve.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, finely chopped shallot, Dijon mustard, and extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to combine all flavors evenly, then serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- For best results, use crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice contrast with the creamy blue cheese.
- Candied pecans can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container to save time.
- You can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if desired.
- Adjust the amount of blue cheese or dried cranberries based on your taste preference.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
Keywords: Apple Salad, mixed greens, candied pecans, blue cheese, dried cranberries, apple cider vinegar dressing, easy salad recipe, autumn salad
