Apple Pecan Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Pecan Salad is a delightful blend of fresh, crisp apples, crunchy pecans, salty bacon, dried cranberries, and tangy blue cheese. It’s not only beautiful and easy to make, but also packed with nutrition. With a delicious homemade apple pecan salad dressing, this dish is perfect for a light, family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
9 ounces romaine lettuce, washed, drained, and chopped
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped
⅔ cup pecans, toasted
½ cup dried cranberries
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

For the Dressing:

1 teaspoon orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon pepper
⅔ cup olive oil

Instructions

Make the Dressing:
Add the orange zest, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper into a mason jar. Shake the jar vigorously until the ingredients are well combined. If you don’t have a mason jar, use a bowl to whisk the ingredients, adding the olive oil slowly until the dressing emulsifies.
Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, bacon, apple slices, pecans, cranberries, and blue cheese. Toss the salad with a small amount of dressing just before serving.
To Toast the Pecans:
Place pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated 350°F oven. Toast pecan halves for about 10 minutes, or pecan pieces for about 5 minutes. Check frequently to avoid burning.
Serve:
Add the dressing to the salad right before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.

Tips

For the best results, chop and add the apple just before tossing the salad to keep it from turning brown. A quick soak in a lemon juice-water mixture can help prevent browning.
This dressing recipe makes enough for two salads. Store the unused portion in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

Conclusion

This Apple Pecan Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious and tasty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, its balance of flavors will make it a favorite. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients to suit your personal taste. Enjoy!

For more details, visit the full recipe

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