This apple pecan salad is a refreshing side dish for any meal or a light lunch on its own. The crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples, toasted pecans and tangy apple cider dressing make every bite bright and satisfying.
Healthy eating should be simple and convenient. Many quick options sacrifice nutrition, but this apple pecan salad is fast to assemble, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and delivers great flavor and texture without extra fuss.
Why We Love This Recipe
Three reasons this apple pecan salad stands out:
- It’s easy to make—just whisk a quick dressing and toss the salad.
- It relies on simple, accessible ingredients that elevate the overall dish.
- The mix of crisp apples, crunchy pecans and creamy feta keeps each bite interesting.
Ingredients
From crisp apples to crunchy pecans and a bright homemade dressing, this salad uses straightforward ingredients that come together quickly.
Ingredients for the Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredients for the Salad:
- 1 lb Honeycrisp apples (about 3 medium), thinly sliced
- Splash lemon juice
- 12 oz mixed salad greens
- 1 cup raw pecan halves
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 4 oz crumbled feta
The combination of fresh greens, apple slices, sweet cranberries and pecans is satisfying and nutritious, while the dressing adds a sweet-tart finish.
How to Make Apple Pecan Salad
This recipe comes together in two straightforward steps: whisk the dressing, then assemble the salad. It takes minutes to prepare and can be served immediately.
How to Keep Apple Slices from Browning
If you prep ahead, keep apple slices to a minimum of a few hours before serving. Toss the slices with a splash of lemon juice to slow oxidation, but note that this is a short-term solution and the apples are best when fresh.
What to Do With Leftover Dressing
This recipe yields extra dressing, which is handy to store in the refrigerator for future salads. Serve extra dressing on the side so guests can add as much as they like.
More Salad Recipes
- Grape Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Kale Salad
- Wonton Salad
- Greek Salad
Made This Recipe?
If you try it, leave a star rating and share a photo on social media with the handle @seededtable so the creator can see your version.
Photos by Lindsay Evers Photography
Recipe Card
Apple Pecan Salad
15 mins
15 mins
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Dressing:
- ½ cup EVOO
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredients for the Salad:
- 1 lb Honeycrisp apples (about 3 medium), thinly sliced
- Splash lemon juice
- 12 oz mixed salad greens
- 1 cup raw pecan halves
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 4 oz crumbled feta
Instructions
To make the dressing:
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk vigorously until blended; set aside.
To make the salad:
- Place apple slices in a medium bowl and toss with a splash of lemon juice. In a large bowl, layer mixed greens, apple slices, pecans, dried cranberries and crumbled feta. Toss with the dressing just before serving, using as much as desired. Store leftover dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Nutrition information is an estimate only.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 31 g
| Protein: 5 g
| Fat: 34 g
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