why make this recipe
Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad is a fresh and tasty option for any meal. The combination of crunchy apples, sweet cranberries, and nutty pecans makes it a delightful dish that everyone will enjoy. This salad is full of vitamins and nutrients, and it’s easy to prepare. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side for gatherings and celebrations.
how to make Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
Ingredients :
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup tart apples (such as Granny Smith), diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Directions :
- Rinse and dry the spinach thoroughly.
- Chop the apples into bite-sized pieces.
- In a skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans until fragrant and golden brown.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, diced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette ingredients until combined.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
how to serve Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
You can serve this salad as a side dish or a light main course. It pairs nicely with grilled chicken or fish. For a more filling option, you can add some grilled shrimp or a scoop of quinoa on top.
how to store Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
To keep the salad fresh, store the ingredients separately. The baby spinach and other veggies can go into a sealed container in the fridge. Keep the dressing in a separate jar. Mix them together just before serving to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
tips to make Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Feel free to substitute nuts if you have allergies or prefer other types, such as walnuts or almonds.
- For added sweetness, you can include some honey in the balsamic vinaigrette.
variation (if any)
You can customize the salad by adding sliced pears or replacing feta with goat cheese for a different flavor. Adding grilled chicken or chickpeas can turn this into a hearty meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
It’s better to use dried cranberries for this recipe as they add sweetness and texture. Frozen cranberries would need to be cooked or thawed and may not give the same result.
Can I make the salad in advance?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance but keep them separate. Mix them together and add the dressing right before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of balsamic vinaigrette?
You can use any dressing you like, such as a honey mustard dressing or a simple olive oil and lemon juice mix for a different taste.
Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach Rinsed and dried thoroughly
- 1 cup tart apples (such as Granny Smith), diced Chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup dried cranberries Adds sweetness and texture
- ½ cup pecans, toasted Toast in a skillet until fragrant and golden brown
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled Can be replaced with goat cheese if desired
Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette Whisk together before drizzling over salad
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse and dry the spinach thoroughly.
- Chop the apples into bite-sized pieces.
- In a skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans until fragrant and golden brown.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, diced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette ingredients until combined.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.