Description
Festive Honeycrisp salad blends crisp apples with tangy blue cheese and candied pecans for a seasonal delight. Hearty greens and maple vinaigrette create an elegant side you’ll savor at winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (960 ml) mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
- ½ cup (75 g) dried cranberries
- ½ cup (60 g) candied pecans (or walnuts)
- ¼ cup (30 g) crumbled feta or goat cheese
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Slice Honeycrisp apples into thin wedges, keeping skin intact. Thinly julienne red onion into delicate strips. Toast pecans in a dry skillet until golden and aromatic.
- Compose Base: Layer mixed greens in a large serving bowl as the salad foundation. Strategically arrange apple slices, pomegranate seeds, and onion ribbons across the greens.
- Add Texture: Sprinkle toasted pecans and crumble goat cheese over the salad to introduce contrasting flavors and crunch.
- Create Vinaigrette: Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified and smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to ensure even coating and flavor integration. Serve immediately to preserve crisp textures and vibrant taste profile.
Notes
- Slice Apples with Precision: Use a sharp knife to cut Honeycrisp apples into uniform, thin slices, keeping the skin intact for added color and crunch. Removing seeds ensures a clean, enjoyable bite.
- Toast Pecans Carefully: Gently roast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.
- Dress Just Before Serving: Add vinaigrette moments before serving to maintain the salad’s crisp texture. Over-dressing can make greens soggy, diminishing the dish’s fresh appeal.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap goat cheese with vegan alternatives like cashew cheese for plant-based diets. Adjust honey in dressing with maple syrup for vegan-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg