Go Back

Apple Pecan Salad

This easy Apple Pecan Salad is fresh, crisp, and full of flavor in every bite. Sweet apples, crunchy toasted pecans, dried cranberries, creamy feta, and a homemade maple Dijon dressing come together to create a simple salad that's perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or lunch with friends. Ready in about 20 minutes, it's an easy recipe you'll want to make all year long.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6 people
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 6 cups mixed spring greens
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
  2. In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Add the spring greens to a large serving bowl.
  4. Top with the sliced apples, toasted pecans, feta, dried cranberries, and red onion.
  5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Notes

Tips for the Best Apple Pecan Salad
  • Toss the apple slices with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you're prepping the salad ahead to help prevent browning.
  • Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and gives the salad even more crunch.
  • Wait to add the dressing until you're ready to serve so the greens stay crisp.
  • Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples all work wonderfully.
Easy Variations
  • Add sliced grilled chicken for a heartier lunch or dinner.
  • Swap the feta for goat cheese or blue cheese.
  • Use candied pecans for a sweeter flavor.
  • Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
  • Sprinkle in pomegranate arils during the holidays for a festive touch.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If making it ahead, store the dressing separately and add the apples and dressing just before serving. Leftover dressing can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.