Apple and Pecan Salad with Mixed Greens
This Apple and Pecan Salad with Mixed Greens is a fresh, flavorful dish that combines the crispness of apples, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the vibrant texture of mixed greens. Drizzled with a simple yet tangy dressing, this salad strikes a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 minutes (for toasting the pecans)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
- 1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced (choose a sweet-tart variety like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup toasted pecans (or walnuts, if preferred)
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese (optional)
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Toast the pecans: In a small pan over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, toasted pecans, and red onion (if using). If adding cheese, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or feta on top.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish with your main course. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add protein: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or a scoop of quinoa. This salad is also great with a hard-boiled egg or chickpeas.
- Other nuts: If you prefer a different nut, try swapping the pecans with almonds, walnuts, or even candied pecans for extra sweetness.
- Fruit options: Swap the apple for pears, pomegranate seeds, or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese options: If you don’t have goat cheese or feta, you can use blue cheese, parmesan, or even a soft burrata for a creamy addition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
