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You are here: Home / 30 Minute Meals / Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

30 Minute Meals Fall Recipes Main Course Salads Seasonal Favorites

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This Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad with Honey Cider Vinaigrette is sweet, savory, and comes together in minutes. Featuring fall-inspired ingredients, such as fresh apple slices, dried cranberries, red onion, pecans, and feta, this salad is full of flavor and makes a healthier lunch or dinner! #salad #saladrecipes #fallsalads #fallsaladrecipes #applesalad #healthysalad #healthysaladrecipes #healthysidedish #recipe

This Pecan Apple Cranberry Salad with Honey Cider Vinaigrette is sweet, savory, and comes together in minutes. Featuring fall-inspired ingredients, such as fresh apple slices, dried cranberries, red onion, pecans, and feta, this salad is full of flavor and makes a healthier lunch or dinner!

an apple cranberry salad in a large white bowl

Since fall is just around the corner, I’ve been whipping up seasonal dishes like there’s no tomorrow. Can you blame me? Fall is my favorite season!

And this Apple Cranberry Salad with Honey Cider Vinaigrette just screams fall, cooler weather, and deliciousness.

If you’ve been hanging around here long enough, you may know that salads are one of my favorite dishes. I can eats salads just as much as I could eat soup, which is about every single day! But, not to worry, I don’t eat salads (or soup) every day…but I could!

But, back to salads, I’ve making this Caprese Pasta Salad and that Barbecue Chicken Salad non-stop over the past few months, so it was time that I introduced some fall flavors into my diet. With the season slowly approaching, I’ve been in the mood for apples…lots of apples!

This salad is packed full of flavor. And healthier ingredients. And a zesty honey cider vinaigrette. Definitely fall in a bowl, friends!

The crunch from the apples and pecans, combined from the sweetness of the dried cranberries, and tang from the red onion and feta creates a delicious flavor explosion. This is definitely my perfect version of a fall salad.

And the vinaigrette. Let’s not forget about the Honey Cider Vinaigrette! The vinaigrette is light, with a hint of sweetness from the honey and a touch of tang from the apple cider vinegar.

overhead view of an apple pecan salad with cranberries in a large white bowl

Ingredients in Apple Cranberry Salad 

This Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad with Honey Cider Vinaigrette is sweet, savory, and comes together in minutes. Featuring lots of fall-inspired ingredients, this salad is full of flavor and makes a healthier lunch or dinner!

Here’s what you’ll need to make the apple spinach cranberry salad: 

  • Mixed greens 
  • Gala apples
  • Red onion
  • Pecans
  • Dried cranberries
  • Feta cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Honey
  • Salt and pepper 

a simple apple cider vinaigrette in a sealed mason jar

How to Make Apple Cranberry Salad

  1. In a large bowl, add the greens, apple slices, red onion, pecans, cranberries, and feta cheese. 
  2. In a mason jar, add the vinaigrette ingredients. Close the lid on the jar and shake vigorously until combined.
  3. Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and toss to combine. 

Toss everything together and this Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad with Honey Cider Vinaigrette will quickly wow your taste buds. Fresh, easy, and inspired by the season, this dish makes a simple meal that’s perfect to enjoy anytime of the year!

Can I Prep This Salad in Advance? 

Parts of it, yes! I don’t recommend tossing the salad in the dressing before you’re ready to serve it since the spinach wilts quite quickly. But you can slice the onion and apples, and add the vinaigrette ingredients to a jar (store everything separately in the fridge). 

Can I Add Other Veggies? 

Of course! Feel free to mix and match this apple cranberry pecan salad as you see fit. 

an apple cranberry salad in a large white bowl

Tips for Making Apple Pecan Salad with Cranberries 

  • You could use your favorite store-bought dressing, but I thought making a fall-inspired dressing would make this salad extra special.
  • Note that the vinaigrette can be made in a big batch and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let the vinaigrette sit on your counter for 15 minutes before using, then shake to mix the ingredients together. 
  • I used a spinach blend for this apple cranberry salad, but you can use any greens you’d like! 

Looking for more salad recipes? I’ve got you covered!

  • Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
  • Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
  • Italian Chicken Salad
  • Cranberry Mushroom Spinach Salad
  • Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad with Honey Cider Vinaigrette

This Pecan Apple Cranberry Salad with Honey Cider Vinaigrette is sweet, savory, and comes together in minutes.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword apple recipe, salad recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 454kcal

Ingredients

  • 5 ounces mixed greens (I used a baby spinach blend)
  • 2 medium gala apples , thinly sliced
  • ½ red onion , sliced into thin strips
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

Honey Cider Vinaigrette

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper , to taste

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, add greens, apple slices, red onion, pecans, cranberries, and feta cheese. Set aside.
  • In a mason jar or small bowl, add olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper. Close the lid on the jar and shake vigorously until combined. If using a bowl, whisk ingredients together. Add more salt and pepper, if needed.
  • Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 454kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 113mg | Potassium: 161mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 306IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @pumpkin_n_spice or tag #pumpkin_n_spice!

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By Gayle | September 12, 2016

Comments

  1. Mir says

    September 12, 2016 at 5:29 am

    You are definitely a feta girl, Gayle. But I can’t complain. These are great flavors! Perfect fall salad, right here!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 7:26 am

      Thanks, Mir!

      Reply
  2. Megan - The Emotional Baker says

    September 12, 2016 at 5:51 am

    I love making salads and have been looking forward to transitioning to a fall flavored version. This one looks perfect – so beautiful & I’m sure tasty 😉

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 7:26 am

      Thanks, Megan! It definitely captures the flavors of fall!

      Reply
  3. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    September 12, 2016 at 6:29 am

    Fall is my fave season too!!! LOVE this Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad!!! I just got back from a trip with an apple producer/grower so I have had apples on the brain! Can’t wait to get into the kitchen and cook and bake! and LOVE the Honey Cider Vinaigrette .. yum!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 7:26 am

      I saw your pictures on snapchat, Alice! Looks like you had so much fun! Thanks for the salad love!

      Reply
  4. Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says

    September 12, 2016 at 6:34 am

    Woo hoo! High five for Fall & high five for being your fave season! Me too 😉 I could eat delicious salads and soups every day too, especially this one! You have a lot of tasty ingredients packed in here and love the pecans for crunch. That vinaigrette is absolutely perfect…good choice with the cider vinegar…bet that pairs lovely with the salad. Me being a total vinegar lover, that’s right up my alley. Pinned, of course 🙂 Have a great week!!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 7:27 am

      Thanks for the sweet comment and pin, Dawn! I am so happy that fall is almost here, so I have a feeling I will be making this over and over again! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says

    September 12, 2016 at 6:44 am

    I could totally eat soup and salad every day too – especially this salad! I’m loving these flavor combos and what a great way to welcome fall with some apples! Pinned!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 7:28 am

      Thanks for the salad love, Rachelle!

      Reply
  6. Sues says

    September 12, 2016 at 7:42 am

    Yum- such a great fall salad. I am so psyched for apple season and love this healthy way to enjoy them!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 7:56 am

      Thanks, Sues! I’m sticking apples into just about everything that I can! 🙂

      Reply
  7. annie@ciaochowbambina.com says

    September 12, 2016 at 8:09 am

    I can never have too much feta…or apples in my salad! Love this! Pinned!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 8:31 am

      Thanks, Annie!

      Reply
  8. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    September 12, 2016 at 8:18 am

    You know I love salads as well, so I am all sorts of giddy over this one! This salad is so pretty and such a great way to ring in the fall season, Gayle! I have been buying box after box of apples, so I love that you used them in here! All the flavors and textures are perfect, plus that Honey Cider Vinaigrette sounds amazing!!! Totally making this soon!! Pinned of course! Cheers, friend!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 8:31 am

      Thanks, Cheyanne! I just can’t get enough of apples, especially when they’re in salads. It gives them such a nice crunch! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Ashley - the recipe rebel says

    September 12, 2016 at 9:00 am

    This is so perfect for a Thanksgiving potluck! I know my girls would love all the fruit and nuts in this, and so would the hubs!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 9:03 am

      Thanks, Ashley! It’s definitely perfect for a fall meal!

      Reply
  10. Kelly says

    September 12, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Yum, I love all the goodies you packed into this pretty salad, Gayle! I can have salads every day and the apple, cranberry and pecan combo is just perfect for fall!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 7:17 pm

      Thanks for the salad love, Kelly!

      Reply
  11. Ashley@CookNourishBliss says

    September 12, 2016 at 11:02 am

    Fall is definitely my favorite season as well! I cannot wait for the weather to really cool down (well, not like cold cold but perfectly fall weather!). This salad is so right up my alley – that dressing sounds just perfect!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 11:31 am

      Thanks, Ashley! The dressing is a new favorite of mine!

      Reply
  12. Lauren Gaskill says

    September 12, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    OMG OMG OMG I love your new site!! How did I miss this?! And also love this fresh recipe. Pinning!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 12:48 pm

      Thanks, Lauren! It launched in April and I’m so happy with how it turned out. And thanks for the salad love and pin! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Marcie says

    September 12, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    Fall is my favorite season too and this is my kind of salad all the way down to that drinkable dressing! I’m craving a big beautiful bowl of this!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 7:16 pm

      Thanks, Marcie!

      Reply
  14. Manali@CookWithManali says

    September 12, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    this is just perfect for fall! love it!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  15. Demeter | Beaming Baker says

    September 12, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    I can’t and I won’t blame you, Gayle! Instead, I’m just gonna high-five you, because I LOVE it. All. 🙂 Plus, who could turn down anything called “fall in a bowl.” 🙂 Love that you made your own vinaigrette, Gayle! There’s nothing like a slightly sweet, slightly tangy dressing to kick a salad up a notch or two. Pinning, of course! Happy Monday, my friend. 🙂

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      Thanks for the sweet comment, Demeter!

      Reply
  16. mira says

    September 12, 2016 at 4:39 pm

    Love seasonal salads like this one! Looks perfect! Pinned!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      Seasonal salads are the best! Thanks, Mira!

      Reply
  17. Rachel @ Bakerita says

    September 12, 2016 at 5:24 pm

    So funny – I had a salad pretty much exactly like this at dinner last night! Except it had chicken and the dressing the restaurant used wasn’t nearly as good as this looks. I’ve got to make this – such a delicious fall salad 🙂

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 5:33 pm

      Thanks, Rachel! The salad that you had sounds delish too…love the addition of chicken!

      Reply
  18. Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says

    September 12, 2016 at 7:45 pm

    Love the sweet-savory combo, and I know that dressing is perfect on top. Delicious!!!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 12, 2016 at 8:05 pm

      Thanks, Blair!

      Reply
  19. Stephanie | The Foodie and The Fix says

    September 12, 2016 at 10:20 pm

    It doesn’t get more fall than this pretty salad! Seriously, honey cider vinaigrette? Over-the-top fall perfection 🙂 I love fall too, all of those pretty colors and cozy book reading and tea drinking, it’s pure happy.

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 13, 2016 at 6:38 am

      Thanks for the kind words, Stephanie! The honey cider vinaigrette definitely makes this salad even better. And hooray for a cup of hot tea on a cool fall day! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says

    September 13, 2016 at 8:19 am

    This salad is full of all of the things I love about fall! I could eat this on repeat, week after week. 😉 Apples and pecans are my favorite together!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 13, 2016 at 8:24 am

      Thanks, Kristine! I’ve made this salad several times so far, it just captures the flavors of fall so well!

      Reply
  21. Amanda says

    September 13, 2016 at 10:01 am

    These are the exact favors I want in a fall salad (and a salad any time of the year). Pecans and cranberries are wonderful in salads, and I could pretty much put feta cheese on all the things!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 13, 2016 at 11:55 am

      Thank you, Amanda! I agree, pecans and cranberries go perfectly together!

      Reply
  22. Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen says

    September 14, 2016 at 1:56 am

    I LOVE a great fall salad!! I have a salad with the same ingredients *down the vinaigrette* which just proves how amazing these flavours go together!! The feta is a superstar!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 14, 2016 at 7:23 am

      Thanks, Jessica! And yes, feta definitely steals the show! 🙂

      Reply
  23. April Kelley says

    September 11, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    I am so excited! This is going to be the starter before my meal, featured at my 50th Halloween birthday party! Thank-you so much- it will be perfect!!!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 11, 2017 at 5:05 pm

      Thanks for the kind words, April! This sounds like the perfect starter for you. Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  24. Wedding DJ Frisco Dallas Wedding DJ says

    February 15, 2018 at 11:20 pm

    I’m hosting a bridal shower for my sister soon… I’ve been waiting to be inspired for the menu and I think inspiration has come! ???? Especially with those beautiful photos!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      February 16, 2018 at 6:45 am

      So glad this recipe inspired you! Best of luck with the bridal shower!

      Reply
  25. Millican Pecan says

    June 19, 2019 at 4:10 pm

    Apples, cranberries, and pecans are always a great combination. I probably won’t wait until the Fall as this sounds delicious and appropriate for the Summer!

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      June 19, 2019 at 5:01 pm

      Definitely appropriate any time of the year!

      Reply
  26. Laurie says

    October 14, 2019 at 4:31 pm

    5 stars
    I just made this for our Canadian Thanksgiving. I doubled the salad dressing because it was just too good and I knew everyone would want more! This was just perfect for the holiday and will now be my favorite salad for get togethers. Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 14, 2019 at 4:59 pm

      I’m so happy to hear that, Laurie! I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!

      Reply

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