Can I make the Apple Pecan Fall Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. To keep the salad fresh, store the salad components (mixed greens, apple slices, pecans, cheese, and red onion) separately in the fridge. Keep the dressing in a separate container. Assemble the salad and dress it just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

What type of apples should I use in the salad?

For the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to use crisp apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith. These apples offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness, and they maintain their crunch when sliced.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the honey mustard dressing in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a quick whisk before using it to ensure it's smooth and emulsified.

Apple Pecan Fall Salad Recipe: A Perfect Autumn Delight

Description

The Apple Pecan Fall Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, featuring crisp apples, toasted pecans, and creamy cheese, all drizzled with a tangy honey mustard dressing. It’s the perfect dish to bring the flavors of fall to your table, whether for a holiday gathering or a simple lunch.

Ingredients

Mixed greens (4 cups): Fresh and slightly bitter, providing the base of the salad.
Apple slices (2 medium apples): Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith offer a sweet crunch.
Pecans (1/2 cup): Toasted pecans add a nutty richness and texture.
Goat cheese or feta (1/4 cup, crumbled): Crumbled for a creamy and tangy contrast.
Red onion (1/4 small onion, thinly sliced): Adds a sharp flavor to the salad.
Honey mustard dressing (1/4 cup): Made with 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 tablespoon vinegar for a sweet and tangy dressing.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Wash and dry the mixed greens, slice the apples thinly, and crumble the cheese.
Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown and fragrant.
Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and vinegar in a small bowl until smooth.
Combine the mixed greens, apple slices, red onion, and toasted pecans in a large bowl.
Top with crumbled cheese.
Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Notes

For the best texture, choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
Toast the pecans to enhance their flavor.
For a vegan version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Prepare ingredients ahead of time, but dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 280
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg