🥗 Cranberry and Pecan Salad

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A Fresh and Festive Salad for Any Season

This Cranberry and Pecan Salad is a beautiful mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors — perfect for holidays, family dinners, or a light lunch. The crisp apple, creamy goat cheese, and candied pecans add irresistible texture, while a simple homemade honey balsamic dressing ties it all together. It’s fresh, vibrant, and easy to make in just minutes!

🥬 Ingredients

For the Salad

• 4 cups baby mixed greens or spring mix

• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup candied pecans

• 1 Granny Smith apple, diced

• 2 oz goat cheese or feta cheese

For the Dressing

• 2 tbsp honey

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ¾ cup olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional: Substitute with your favorite store-bought balsamic vinaigrette or poppyseed dressing.

🥣 Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until well combined and emulsified.

2. Assemble the Salad:
   On a large serving platter or bowl, layer the spring mix, red onion slices, diced apple, dried cranberries, and candied pecans.

3. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle goat or feta cheese evenly across the top.

4. Dress and Toss:
   Drizzle with the honey balsamic dressing just before serving, and toss lightly to coat.

🍽 Equipment You May Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Airtight dressing jar

🍏 Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled Chicken or Salmon for a hearty meal

• Holiday Roasts like turkey or ham

• Warm crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls

You can also serve it chilled at potlucks or as part of a festive Thanksgiving spread!

💡 Expert Tips

• Toast your candied pecans lightly before using for even more crunch.

• For extra sweetness, add a few slices of fresh pear.

• Make the dressing ahead and refrigerate for up to a week.

• If you’re using feta instead of goat cheese, reduce salt slightly in the dressing.

🧊 Storage

Store leftover salad (undressed) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate in the refrigerator and shake before using.

📸 You May Also Like

• Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad

• Southern Cornbread Dressing

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Cranberry and Pecan Salad 🥗

This Cranberry and Pecan Salad is a fresh, flavorful mix of sweet and savory goodness! Crisp spring greens, tart Granny Smith apples, tangy goat (or feta) cheese, and chewy dried cranberries come together with crunchy candied pecans. It’s all tossed in a light, homemade honey balsamic dressing that balances every bite perfectly. This easy salad is ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave something bright and delicious.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern Cooking

Servings 6

Calories 305 kcal

Equipment

• large mixing bowl
• Chef's Knife
• cutting board
• Whisk
• airtight dressing jar

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

For the Salad

• 4 cups baby mixed greens or spring mix
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup candied pecans
• 1 Granny Smith apple diced
• 2 oz goat cheese or feta cheese

For the Dressing

• 2 tbsp honey
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic minced
• ¾ cup olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until well combined and emulsified.
• On a large serving platter or bowl, layer the spring mix, red onion slices, diced apple, dried cranberries, and candied pecans.
• Sprinkle goat or feta cheese evenly across the top.
• Drizzle with the honey balsamic dressing just before serving, and toss lightly to coat.

Notes

Nutritional values provided are estimates only and are calculated based on general nutritional data for the listed ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands, measurements, and preparation methods used. For precise dietary information, please consult a registered dietitian or use a verified nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cCalories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 215mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 3gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 0.8mg

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