Description
This Cranberry Pecan Apple Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining crisp red apples, tangy dried cranberries, crunchy sugared pecans, and creamy goat cheese over a fresh spinach mix. Topped with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors, ideal for a quick and healthy meal or a delightful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 red apples (thinly sliced on a mandolin)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4-5 cups spinach salad mix
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced on a mandolin)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup sugared pecans (chopped)
- 4 Tablespoons goat cheese (chopped or crumbled)
Dressing
- 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1.5 Tablespoons white sugar
- 1.5 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 Tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare apples: Place the thinly sliced apple slices in a large salad bowl and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them. Toss gently to ensure all apple slices are coated with the lemon juice to prevent browning and add freshness.
- Combine salad ingredients: In the salad bowl with apples, add the spinach mix, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries, chopped sugared pecans, and crumbled goat cheese. Toss all ingredients together lightly to combine and set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a small mason jar, combine apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, white sugar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cover the jar tightly and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until the dressing thickens and emulsifies.
- Toss and serve: When ready to serve, lightly drizzle the dressing over the salad mix and toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp, flavorful salad.
Notes
- Use a mandolin slicer to get uniform thin slices of apples and onion for the best texture.
- Coating the apples with lemon juice prevents them from browning and keeps the salad looking fresh.
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta or omit it for a dairy-free version.
- Sugared pecans can be replaced with regular pecans or walnuts if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing depending on your sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
