Autumn Harvest Apple Pecan Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
This Autumn Harvest Apple Pecan Salad is a delightful combination of crisp Fuji apples, crunchy toasted pecans, and vibrant mixed greens, all harmoniously dressed in a zesty cranberry vinaigrette. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light meal, this salad brings seasonal flavors and textures together in a beautiful presentation. The addition of golden raisins and a hint of cinnamon makes it a perfect choice for fall gatherings or a nutritious weekday lunch. Enjoy the rich, nutty flavors paired with the tartness of cranberries and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped pecans
1/4 cup (Coat with maple syrup and cinnamon before baking)
Maple syrup
2 tablespoons (Use to coat pecans (alternatively use brown sugar mixture))
Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon (Coat pecans with this spice)
Fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon (Use in vinaigrette)
Golden raisins
1 tablespoon (Use in vinaigrette)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (Use in vinaigrette)
Red onion
1/4 cup (Chop for vinaigrette)
Brown sugar
2 teaspoons (Use in vinaigrette)
Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons (Use in vinaigrette)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (Whisk into vinaigrette)
Salt
to taste (Season vinaigrette)
Pepper
to taste (Season vinaigrette)
Mixed salad greens
5 cups (Rinse and dry before use)
Fuji apple
1 (Core and chop into bite-sized pieces)
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Combine with water for apple preservation)
Water
1 tablespoon (Combine with lemon juice for apple preservation)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main components of the Autumn Harvest Apple Pecan Salad?
The salad consists of mixed greens, Fuji apples, and toasted pecans, topped with a homemade cranberry vinaigrette featuring golden raisins and red onion.
What type of apples are best for this salad?
Fuji apples are recommended because they are crisp and sweet, providing a great texture that holds up well against the vinaigrette.
How do you prepare the pecans for this recipe?
The pecans should be coated with a mixture of maple syrup and cinnamon before being baked until toasted and crunchy.
What ingredients are in the cranberry vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is made from fresh cranberries, golden raisins, balsamic vinegar, chopped red onion, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and extra virgin olive oil.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and can be made vegan if you ensure the sugar used is vegan-processed.
How can I prevent the Fuji apples from turning brown?
Combine 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of water and toss the apple pieces in the mixture to preserve their color.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Yes, walnuts or slivered almonds would be excellent substitutes for pecans in this autumn-themed salad.
What kind of salad greens should I use?
A mix of salad greens works best; you can use spring mix, baby spinach, or a combination of arugula and butter lettuce.
Is there a substitute for golden raisins in the dressing?
If you don't have golden raisins, you can use regular raisins or dried cranberries for a similar texture and sweetness.
How do I ensure the vinaigrette is well-emulsified?
Slowly whisk the extra virgin olive oil into the other vinaigrette ingredients to create a smooth, stable emulsion.
Can I use something other than maple syrup for the pecans?
Yes, you can use a brown sugar mixture as an alternative to coat the pecans before baking.
Is the Autumn Harvest Apple Pecan Salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including the balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard, are typically gluten-free, but always check your specific brand labels.
How much salad does this recipe yield?
The recipe uses 5 cups of mixed greens and one large apple, making it suitable as a large side dish for a family or a light meal for two.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the cranberry vinaigrette can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator; just shake well before using.
What is the purpose of Dijon mustard in the dressing?
Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier to help the oil and vinegar stay mixed, while also adding a subtle tanginess.
Is this salad suitable for a holiday meal?
Absolutely, the seasonal flavors of apple, cranberry, and pecan make it a perfect addition to a Thanksgiving or Christmas menu.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, crumbled goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese would pair beautifully with the sweet apples and tart vinaigrette.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 16 ingredients, including the base greens, toppings, and the components for the vinaigrette.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is high in fiber from the apples and greens, and contains healthy fats from the pecans and olive oil.
What spices are used for the pecan coating?
The pecans are seasoned with a 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon to give them a warm, autumnal flavor.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh in the vinaigrette?
Fresh cranberries provide the best tartness, but you can use dried cranberries if you reduce the added sugar in the dressing.
How should I chop the red onion for the dressing?
The red onion should be finely chopped so that it distributes evenly throughout the vinaigrette without being overpowering.
What can I use if I don't have balsamic vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent alternative that complements the apple theme of the salad.
Can this be a main dish?
Yes, you can turn this into a hearty main dish by adding a protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa.
Should the pecans be raw or roasted before adding the syrup?
Start with raw chopped pecans; the roasting process happens in the oven after they are coated with the maple syrup and cinnamon.
What flavor profile does this salad have?
It offers a balanced profile of sweet (apple, maple, raisins), tart (cranberries, vinegar), and savory (onion, mustard, nuts).
How long does the assembled salad stay fresh?
Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately to prevent the greens from wilting and the pecans from losing their crunch.
Is there any salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the vinaigrette to taste to balance the sweetness and acidity.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey can be used to coat the pecans if you do not have maple syrup, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Why is water added to the apple preservation mixture?
Water is used to dilute the lemon juice so that the apples don't become overly sour while still preventing oxidation.