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Apple Pecan Salad Recipe: Easy Harvest Bowl with Maple Cinnamon Dressing

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This fresh harvest apple pecan salad combines crisp apples, toasted pecans, and sweet-tart cranberries with a cozy maple cinnamon dressing. It’s a quick, comforting salad perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith; peeled or unpeeled, cored, and sliced)
  • 1 cup pecan halves (toasted or raw)
  • 5 oz mixed salad greens (spring mix, spinach, or arugula)
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans (optional): Place pecan halves in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and cool.
  2. Prep the apples: Slice apples into thin wedges or cubes. Optionally toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Prepare the red onion: Thinly slice half a small red onion. For milder flavor, soak slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  4. Assemble the salad base: In a large salad bowl, add mixed greens. Scatter apple slices, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, crumbled cheese (if using), and red onion over the top.
  5. Make the maple cinnamon dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, cinnamon, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  6. Toss the apples with dressing: Pour about half the dressing over the apples and toss gently to coat.
  7. Combine everything: Add the dressed apples back to the salad bowl. Pour the remaining dressing over the greens and toppings. Use tongs to gently toss until well mixed.
  8. Taste and adjust: Sample a bite and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Serve: Transfer to a serving platter or shallow bowl. Sprinkle with extra pecans or cheese if desired.

Notes

Toast pecans on medium-low heat to avoid burning. Toss apples with dressing or lemon juice to prevent browning. For vegan or dairy-free, omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Store salad and dressing separately for best freshness. Add roasted sweet potatoes or swap nuts for seeds for allergy-friendly options.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pecan salad, harvest salad, maple cinnamon dressing, fall salad, gluten-free salad, vegetarian salad, easy salad recipe, holiday salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/apple-pecan-salad-recipe-easy-harvest-bowl-with-maple-cinnamon-dressing/