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You are here: Home / Salads / Holiday Salad with Apples, Pecans, & Cranberries Recipe

Holiday Salad with Apples, Pecans, & Cranberries Recipe

January 10, 2021

If you have been looking for a festive salad, this recipe is for you. The ingredients in this salad can be substituted or built upon, to make it even tastier. This tasty salad blends flavorful ingredients such as tangy blue cheese, tart dried cranberries, sweet apples, and pecans, as well as a savory vinaigrette to bring it all together. This versatile salad would make an excellent main or side dish for your next function or family gathering.

A Sideview Of A Holiday Salad

The Recipe

I would like to thank the folks at delish for this wonderful recipe. In order to fit your tastes and occasions, you can build upon the ingredients and customize this salad to your liking. Feel free to use a variety of ingredients such as croutons for extra crunch as well chickpeas for a healthy source of protein.

The Ingredients

For the Candied Pecans:

1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
2 Tablespoons Water
1 Cup Pecans

For the Salad:

6 Cups Mixed Greens
2 Apples, Thinly Sliced
1/2 Cup Crumbled Blue Cheese
1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries

For the Dressing:

2 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 Shallot, Finely Chopped
1/2 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1/3 Cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Salad With Sliced Apples


Preparing the Candied Pecans

A Pan Of Candied Pecans

In a skillet over medium heat, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and water. Next, stir, letting the sugar dissolve, then add pecans and toss until they are lightly coated. Let simmer for five minutes until sticky. Remove from heat and let cool on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Extra pecans that you don’t use for the salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.

Finished Candied Pecans

Making the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, shallot, dijon, and olive oil. Then season with salt and pepper.

Dressing For The Salad

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, apples, candied pecans, blue cheese, and dried cranberries. Refrigerate until ready to dress and serve. Enjoy!

Holiday Salad With Apples And Nuts

Filed Under: Salads

About Laura G

Hi, I'm Laura G. A photographer, blogger and self-proclaimed food connoisseur.

As a child, I was exposed to a wide variety of foods. My mother had my siblings and me try foods at least once and if we didn't like what we tasted, we didn't have to eat it again. Luckily, I enjoyed almost everything that I tried. Unfortunately, in my adult years, I've been living with an autoimmune disease that has forced me to reevaluate my food choices. Even though I can no longer eat the foods I once enjoyed, many great alternatives have presented themselves. I believe we truly are what we eat and I look for the best food ingredients to fuel my body. I hope the recipes here on this food blog inspire you in your own food preparation endeavors.

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