Crispy Apple Pecan Feta Salad Recipe: A Sweet-Savory Joy

Crisp autumn winds whisper about this delightful apple pecan feta salad that dances with unexpected flavor combinations.

Seasonal ingredients blend harmoniously in a bowl of pure comfort.

Crunchy pecans provide a robust texture against silky cheese crumbles.

Bright apple slices add a sweet-tart punch that awakens every taste bud.

Rustic and elegant, this dish brings sophistication to simple home cooking.

Fresh herbs scattered across the surface hint at Mediterranean-inspired creativity.

What Makes Apple Pecan Feta Salad So Bright

• Whip Up Quickly: This salad comes together in mere minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal prep when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with fresh greens, crunchy pecans, sweet apples, and tangy feta, this recipe delivers a balanced mix of nutrients, proteins, and fresh ingredients that support a healthy lifestyle.
• Crowd-Pleasing Combination: The harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors creates a universally appealing dish that works for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone has different taste preferences.
• Customize with Ease: Incredibly versatile, this salad allows simple swaps like changing nuts, cheese, or vinaigrette to match your mood or pantry ingredients, giving you flexibility without compromising taste.

What You Need for Apple Pecan Feta Salad

• Mixed Greens: Fresh, crisp base for the salad.

• Apple Slices: Crunchy and sweet addition.
• Pecans, Toasted: Nutty and rich flavor with a nice crunch.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tangy burst of flavor.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy and salty cheese that adds depth.
• Red Onion: Sharp and zesty flavor enhancer.

• Balsamic Vinaigrette: Tangy and smooth dressing that ties everything together.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste.

Assembling Apple Pecan Feta Salad

Step 1: Prepare Crisp Salad Base

Grab a spacious salad bowl and scatter mixed greens as a vibrant foundation. The greens will create a fresh, crunchy canvas for your delightful combination of ingredients.

Step 2: Layer Flavor Boosters

• Thinly sliced crisp apple wedges
• Toasted, golden-brown pecans
• Crumbled tangy feta cheese
• Sweet dried cranberries
• Thinly sliced red onion rings

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette generously across the salad. Use gentle tossing motions with salad utensils to ensure every ingredient gets a luxurious coating of the dressing.

Step 4: Season and Perfect

Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to enhance the salad’s natural flavors. The seasoning will elevate the taste profile and bring all components together harmoniously.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer the salad to serving plates immediately. Enjoy the delightful mix of textures and flavors – crisp, sweet, tangy, and crunchy – in every refreshing bite.

Things to Know for Apple Pecan Feta Salad

• Perfectly Toast Pecans: Bake pecans in a single layer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring once, to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning.
• Slice Apples Smartly: Use crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith and cut them just before serving to prevent browning.
• Balance Onion Intensity: Soak thinly sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its sharp bite and add a milder crunch.
• Prep Ahead Wisely: Keep salad components separate until serving to maintain crispness and prevent soggy greens.
• Customize Dressing Easily: Swap balsamic vinaigrette with honey mustard or apple cider vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.

Apple Pecan Feta Salad: Keeping It Fresh

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
• Store greens, fruits, nuts, and cheese in different sealed containers to maintain freshness and crunch.
• Before serving, drain any excess moisture, gently toss ingredients, and add a splash of fresh balsamic vinaigrette to revive flavors.
• Do not freeze this salad as it will destroy the crisp texture of the greens and compromise the delicate ingredients.

Apple Pecan Feta Salad Food Pairings

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the salad's tangy feta and sweet apple notes, creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Add a warm, rustic sourdough or herb-infused baguette to provide textural contrast and soak up the balsamic vinaigrette.
• Match with Grilled Chicken: Top the salad with lightly seasoned, sliced grilled chicken breast to transform it into a hearty, protein-packed meal that enhances the existing flavors.
• Complete with Honey Glazed Walnuts: Sprinkle additional toasted nuts with a light honey drizzle to elevate the nutty undertones and introduce a subtle sweetness that harmonizes with the cranberries.

Apple Pecan Feta Salad Add-Ons

• Vegan Delight: Replace feta with crumbled tofu or vegan cheese alternative, use maple-glazed pecans, and swap balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas to increase protein content, keeping the original salad ingredients intact.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking the vinaigrette and pecans for potential gluten contamination.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute mixed greens with baby spinach or arugula, reduce dried cranberries, and use a lighter, herb-infused olive oil dressing instead of balsamic.

FAQs

• What makes the balsamic vinaigrette special in this salad?

The balsamic vinaigrette provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the crisp apples and creamy feta cheese, creating a balanced and delicious dressing for the salad.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't like feta?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor profile that works well with the other ingredients.

• How do I toast pecans for the best flavor?

Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly golden brown, which enhances their nutty flavor and adds crunch to the salad.

• Is this salad suitable for a quick lunch or light dinner?

Absolutely! The Apple Pecan Feta Salad is a nutritious, quick-to-prepare meal that offers a perfect balance of fresh greens, sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese, making it ideal for a light and satisfying meal.

Apple Pecan Feta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp greens dance with tangy feta and sweet apple slices in this apple pecan feta salad, creating a symphonic blend of textures and flavors. Nutty pecans and zesty dressing elevate this refreshing dish, making you crave each delightful, balanced bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients:

• 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and lettuce)
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) pecans, toasted
• 1/3 cup (50 grams) crumbled feta cheese

Dried Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1/4 cup (40 grams) dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) balsamic vinaigrette
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Layer mixed greens as a vibrant base in a spacious serving vessel, creating a lush foundation for the salad.
2. Artfully arrange crisp apple slices across the greens, creating delicate overlapping patterns that add visual appeal and fresh crunch.
3. Scatter golden-brown toasted pecans throughout the salad, distributing them evenly to ensure a nutty texture in every bite.
4. Crumble tangy feta cheese over the top, letting the white chunks contrast beautifully against the green backdrop.
5. Sprinkle ruby-red dried cranberries across the surface for bursts of sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color.
6. Thinly slice red onion into delicate half-moons and disperse gently across the salad for a subtle, sharp undertone.
7. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette in elegant circular motions, ensuring each ingredient receives a light, glossy coating.
8. Gently toss the ingredients using salad servers, carefully blending flavors while maintaining the individual ingredient integrity.
9. Finish with a light dusting of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
10. Serve immediately to preserve the crisp textures and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors.

Notes

• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning, watching them closely in the skillet or oven.
• Slice apples just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent browning by tossing with a bit of lemon juice.
• Swap feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture or use dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
• Prepare vinaigrette ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to let flavors meld, making the dressing more robust and delicious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg