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Harvest Apple Pecan Salad: Easy Kid-Friendly Recipe

harvest apple pecan salad - featured image
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A quick and easy salad featuring crisp apples, toasted pecans, tangy feta, and a honey-cider dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, this kid-friendly recipe is ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (spring mix or baby spinach)
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until they smell nutty and look lightly browned. Remove from the pan immediately and set aside to cool.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk or shake until the honey dissolves. Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil while whisking constantly (or just add it to the jar and shake hard). Taste and adjust.
  3. Prep the apples: Core the apples and slice them thinly—about 1/4-inch thick. Leave the skin on for color and fiber, or peel if preferred. If making ahead, toss slices with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
  4. Soak the onion (optional): Slice the red onion very thinly. Place slices in a small bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite. Drain and pat dry before adding to the salad.
  5. Assemble the salad: Place 4 cups of mixed greens in a large bowl. Add the sliced apples, cooled pecans, dried cranberries, and soaked red onion. Drizzle about half the dressing over the top and toss gently with tongs until evenly coated. Add more dressing if needed.
  6. Add the cheese and serve: Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top. Toss once more very gently, or leave it on top for presentation. Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.

Notes

Toast pecans in a single layer to avoid uneven cooking. Dry greens thoroughly to prevent diluted dressing. Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning. Let dressing sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors. Start with half the dressing and add more as needed. For meal prep, keep components separate and assemble just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pecan salad, harvest salad, kid-friendly salad, easy salad recipe, fall salad, honey cider dressing

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/harvest-apple-pecan-salad-easy-kid-friendly-recipe/