Cranberry Apple Pecan Salad

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Cranberry Apple Pecan Salad

This fresh autumn-inspired salad combines crisp apples, tender greens, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and crumbled cheese tossed in a tangy maple-mustard vinaigrette.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups mixed greens (kale, spinach, or mixed lettuce)

  • 2 medium apples (1 Honeycrisp & 1 Granny Smith), cored and chopped

  • ¾ cup pecans (raw or candied), roughly chopped

  • ½ cup dried cranberries

  • ½ cup goat cheese or feta, crumbled

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation

  1. Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.

  2. Prep Greens: Wash and thoroughly dry the salad greens. If using kale, massage it with a few drops of olive oil for 1–2 minutes to soften the leaves. Place in a large serving bowl.

  3. Assemble: Add the diced apples, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries to the bowl of greens.

  4. Toss and Garnish: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients. Top with crumbled goat cheese or feta just before serving.