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