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Apple Pecan Cranberry Salad

🧾 Ingredients

🥗 Salad

  • 3 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula)
  • 1 large apple (thinly sliced; red or green both work)
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup pecans (toasted for best flavor)
  • ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced, optional)
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional but recommended)

🥣 Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

  • Wash and dry greens
  • Slice apple thinly (leave skin on for color and texture)
  • Lightly toast pecans in a pan for 2–3 minutes until fragrant

2. Make Dressing

In a small bowl or jar:

  • Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper
  • Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity

3. Assemble Salad

  • In a large bowl, add greens
  • Top with apples, cranberries, pecans, and onions
  • Sprinkle cheese if using

4. Toss & Serve

  • Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving
  • Toss gently to combine

💡 Tips

  • Add grilled chicken for a complete meal
  • Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds
  • Use crisp apples like Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing for a fall flavor twist

🥗 Optional Creamy Dressing Version

For a richer taste, mix:

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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