Perfect Autumn Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
This apple cranberry pecan salad is a delightful symphony of sweet, tart, and crunchy textures, perfect for autumn gatherings and holiday feasts. It combines fresh apples, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing for an easy and impressive side dish that everyone will love.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Airtight containers
- Lemon juicer (optional)
- Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup pecan halves
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash, core, and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss the diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Toast the pecans in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Let cool slightly and coarsely chop.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, diced celery, and diced red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Toasting the pecans is essential for enhancing their flavor. To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, add the dressing just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the apples may soften over time. For a sweeter salad, add more honey to the dressing. Consider adding crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese for a tangy variation. You can substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans. Adding diced cooked chicken or turkey transforms the salad into a heartier main course.