Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad – Sweet, Crunchy, and Perfect for Holidays

Add a burst of color and flavor to your holiday table with Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad. This festive salad combines crisp apples, tart cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy cheese, all tossed in a light and tangy dressing. It’s a refreshing side dish or starter that balances heavier holiday foods like roasted meats or casseroles.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a fall gathering, this salad is quick to assemble, visually stunning, and packed with flavor.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Seasonal & Festive: Combines the best flavors of fall and winter — apples, cranberries, and pecans.
• Healthy & Light: Fresh fruits, nuts, and greens make it a lighter option among holiday dishes.
• Quick Prep: Minimal chopping and easy-to-make dressing.
• Customizable: Add roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, or chicken for a heartier salad.
• Kid-Friendly: Sweet apples and crunchy pecans make it appealing for children.

🥗 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 5 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
• Optional: 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Wash and dry the mixed greens. Thinly slice the apples and red onion if using. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Make Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble Salad

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled cheese. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to coat.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle extra pecans and cheese on top for presentation. Serve immediately to maintain crispness.

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

A festive salad with crisp apples, tart cranberries, toasted pecans, mixed greens, and a maple vinaigrette — perfect for holiday dinners or Thanksgiving.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Autumn, Holiday

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 5 cups mixed greens
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• to taste salt and black pepper

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Skillet
• Salad bowl

Method

 

1. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
2. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make dressing.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled cheese.
4. Drizzle salad with dressing and toss gently to coat.
5. Transfer to serving bowl or platter, sprinkle extra pecans and cheese on top, and serve immediately.

Notes

Prep ingredients ahead of time but toss with dressing just before serving to keep greens crisp. Optional add-ins: roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa.

💡 Tips for the Best Salad

1. Keep apples crisp: Toss sliced apples in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Toast pecans: Enhances flavor and adds crunch.
3. Dress lightly: Add dressing just before serving to avoid soggy greens.
4. Make-ahead option: Prep salad ingredients separately and combine just before serving.
5. Cheese choice: Feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese work well.

🍎 Variations

• Add Protein: Grilled chicken, turkey slices, or shrimp make this a full meal.
• Seasonal Fruits: Add pears, pomegranate seeds, or mandarins.
• Grains: Toss in cooked quinoa or farro for added texture.
• Sweet & Spicy: Sprinkle cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne in the dressing for a twist.
• Vegan Version: Skip cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.

🥂 Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a starter or light side salad for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or autumn dinners.
• Pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or pork.
• Complement with cranberry sauce, pumpkin soup, or cornbread for a full seasonal meal.

🧾 Fun Fact

Cranberries are native to North America and have been a holiday staple since colonial times. Combining them with sweet apples and pecans makes this salad both a nod to tradition and a modern, festive addition to your table.