Description

This vibrant salad combines crisp apples, tart cranberries, mixed greens, and candied pecans tossed in a maple pecan dressing for a refreshing holiday side. It’s simple to prepare, visually striking, and pairs beautifully with traditional festive mains.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups mixed greens

2 medium apples thinly sliced

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup candied or toasted pecans

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

3 tablespoons maple syrup

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

salt to taste

cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spread pecans on a baking sheet

2. Toast pecans for 5–7 minutes until fragrant and golden

3. Toss toasted pecans with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon until glossy, then let cool

4. Whisk together maple syrup, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified

5. Place mixed greens in a large bowl and layer apple slices evenly over them

6. Sprinkle dried cranberries and crumbled feta cheese on top of the greens

7. Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat

8. Top salad with cooled candied pecans and drizzle remaining dressing just before serving

9. Serve in a wide shallow bowl or platter to showcase the colors

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: tossing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 210
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 220
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 2
Unsaturated Fat: 10
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 3
Protein: 4
Cholesterol: 5

Keywords: apple cranberry salad, holiday salad, thanksgiving salad, christmas salad recipes, maple pecan dressing, festive salad, fall salad, cranberry salad, pecan salad