Description
A fresh and festive holiday salad featuring crisp Honeycrisp apples, mixed greens, toasted pecans, feta cheese, and dried cranberries with a simple balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium Honeycrisp apples
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Greens – Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens using a salad spinner or paper towels. Wet greens will dilute the dressing.
- Step 2: Prepare Apples – Core the Honeycrisp apples and slice them into thin, uniform pieces. Keep skin on for extra nutrients and color.
- Step 3: Toast Pecans – Heat pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Step 4: Make Dressing – Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Step 5: Assemble Salad – Combine greens, apple slices, toasted pecans, cranberries, and feta in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing just before serving and toss gently.
Notes
- Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning, or toss with a little lemon juice if preparing ahead
- Toast pecans while preparing other ingredients to save time and ensure they’re still warm when added to the salad
- Add dressing gradually and toss gently to avoid wilting the delicate greens too quickly
- Use a mix of baby spinach and arugula for the perfect balance of mild and peppery flavors
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285 calories
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
Keywords: honeycrisp holiday salad, apple salad, holiday salad, festive salad, cranberry salad, pecan salad