Apple Pecan Fall Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Autumn brings crisp air, vibrant foliage, and delicious seasonal flavors, which are perfectly captured in this Apple Pecan Fall Salad. This salad combines fresh, juicy apples, creamy blue cheese, and crunchy salted pecans over a bed of mixed greens. A light, tangy honey mustard dressing ties it all together, making this a perfect side or light meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this salad will add a seasonal touch to your table!
Apple Pecan Fall Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 apple (Jonathan, Fuji, or Gala recommended), diced
- 1 pear, diced
- ⅓ cup craisins (dried cranberries)
- ½ cup blue cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup salted pecans
Honey Mustard Dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Dressing:
In a mason jar, combine the olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the ingredients are fully mixed and the dressing is smooth and emulsified. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens, diced apple, diced pear, craisins, crumbled blue cheese, and salted pecans. Gently toss to distribute the ingredients evenly without crushing the delicate greens. - Serve:
Serve the salad with the dressing on the side, allowing each person to drizzle over their preferred amount for a personalized touch.
Recipe Notes
- Fruit Alternatives: Try swapping the apple and pear with other seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or grapes for a variation in flavor and texture.
- Nuts and Cheese: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feta or goat cheese make great alternatives. You can also substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Dice the apple and pear just before serving to keep them fresh.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
This Apple Pecan Fall Salad is the epitome of autumn in a bowl. The sweet crunch of the apple and pear, the creaminess of blue cheese, and the subtle tang of the honey mustard dressing create a harmonious balance of flavors. It’s an elegant yet easy option that can elevate any meal with its seasonal charm. So grab a bowl, toss together these ingredients, and savor the taste of fall with every bite!
Print
Apple Pecan Fall Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The Apple Pecan Fall Salad is a celebration of autumn in every bite. Crisp apple and juicy pear blend beautifully with creamy blue cheese and crunchy salted pecans, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Dried cranberries add a subtle tartness, while the honey mustard dressing brings everything together with a touch of sweetness and tang.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
6 cups mixed greens
1 apple (Jonathan, Fuji, or Gala recommended), diced
1 pear, diced
⅓ cup craisins (dried cranberries)
½ cup blue cheese, crumbled
½ cup salted pecans
Honey Mustard Dressing:
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake well until fully mixed.
In a large salad bowl, add mixed greens, diced apple, diced pear, craisins, blue cheese, and salted pecans. Toss gently to combine.
Serve the salad with the dressing on the side, allowing guests to drizzle over their preferred amount.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280