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Cozy Fall Harvest Salad with Candied Pecans

Cozy Fall Harvest Salad with Candied Pecans - featured image
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A quick and easy fall salad featuring raw mixed greens, crisp apples, and tangy feta, topped with homemade candied pecans and a maple vinaigrette. Perfect for busy weeknights or seasonal gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups raw unsalted pecan halves
  • 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • A pinch of sea salt
  • 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach and arugula)
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and melt until foamy.
  2. Stir in maple syrup, sugar, and salt. Bubble for 30 seconds until caramel-like.
  3. Pour pecans into the skillet and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until coated and glossy.
  4. Immediately pour pecans onto parchment paper in a single layer to cool and harden.
  5. In a small jar or bowl, whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until emulsified.
  6. Wash and thoroughly dry mixed greens. Slice apples and soak red onion in cold water to mellow flavor.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine greens, apples, cranberries, feta, and drained onion.
  8. Drizzle half the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  9. Break cooled candied pecans into pieces and sprinkle generously over the salad.
  10. Add remaining dressing if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not dress the salad too far in advance as the salt and vinegar will wilt the greens. Keep the dressing separate until serving. Candied pecans can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For a dairy-free option, omit feta or use plant-based crumble. For a vegan option, use plant-based cheese and ensure maple syrup is vegan.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall salad, candied pecans, harvest salad, easy salad recipe, healthy dinner, gluten-free salad, maple vinaigrette, quick weeknight meals

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/cozy-fall-harvest-salad-with-candied-pecans-best-easy-recipe/