As autumn fills the air, bring vibrant flavor to your holiday table with Apple Pecan Holiday Salad and Cozy Fall Spice Dressing. Crisp apples, toasted pecans, and fragrant spices create a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth—ideal for festive cheer and seasonal delight.
Apple Pecan Holiday Salad with cozy fall Spice Dressing captures autumn perfectly, mixing crisp apples, toasted pecans, and warm spices. Inspired by family gatherings, it’s a festive, flavorful celebration ideal for your holiday table.
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Toasting Pecans: 10 minutes
- total Time: 25 minutes
Yield
Serves 6 as a refreshing starter or side dish
Difficulty Level
Easy – Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels
Ingredients
- Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 2 crisp medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji),cored and thinly sliced
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional for tangy creaminess)
- cozy fall Spice Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden brown. Remove promptly to a cool plate to prevent burning.
- prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice levels as desired.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine salad greens, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and gently toss until everything is lightly coated.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or feta over the top for a delightful creamy contrast.
- Serve immediately: For best freshness, serve the salad right after dressing. If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate until just before serving to maintain crispness.
Tips for Success
- apple choice matters: Use apples that are crisp and slightly tart to balance the richness of pecans and honeyed dressing.
- Toasting pecans: Keep a close eye while toasting; pecans can go from perfectly toasted to bitter quickly. Stirring frequently is key to even browning and releasing their natural oils.
- Dressing balance: Taste your dressing before tossing. The beauty of the Cozy Fall Spice Dressing is it’s harmony between tangy, sweet, and warmly spiced notes. Adjust vinegar or honey to suit your palate.
- Make-ahead tip: Toast pecans in advance and store airtight. Prepare dressing up to 3 days ahead and whisk before use.
- Add seasonal flair: Swap in pomegranate seeds or roasted butternut squash cubes for added texture and color.
Creative Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Holiday Feast
Present this salad on a rustic wooden platter garnished with fresh apple slices and whole toasted pecans for visual appeal. A sprinkle of microgreens or fresh thyme leaves adds a delicate herbal note that brightens the dish. For a heartier twist, serve alongside roasted turkey or baked ham, tying together the season’s signature flavors.
For an elegant touch, serve salad portions in chilled glass bowls or individual mason jars layered with dressing at the bottom, ensuring that each guest experiences fresh, crisp textures bite after bite.
consider pairing it with a warm spiced cider or a glass of lightly oaked Chardonnay, which complements the style and spices of the dressing beautifully.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
For inspiration on other seasonal salads, check out our Winter Harvest Greens Salad post. To learn more about pecan nutrition and benefits, see this healthline guide on pecans.
Q&A
Q&A: Apple Pecan Holiday Salad with Cozy Fall Spice Dressing
Q: What makes the Apple Pecan Holiday Salad perfect for the fall season?
A: This salad captures the essence of fall with crisp, juicy apples and crunchy pecans, evoking the warm, cozy flavors of the season. The addition of a spiced dressing-with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of maple syrup-wraps every bite in a harvest-hued hug that’s as comforting as your favorite sweater.
Q: Which apple variety works best for this salad?
A: Tart and crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady are ideal. They provide the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, offering a refreshing crunch that complements the rich pecans and sweet dressing.
Q: Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
A: Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make marvelous alternatives. Walnuts add a heartier texture, while almonds bring a subtle sweetness. Just toast them lightly to enhance their natural flavor and crunch.
Q: What ingredients create the cozy fall spice dressing?
A: The dressing blends olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a warm spice mix featuring cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of ground cloves. This combination adds depth and a festive aroma that bridges the salad’s fresh ingredients beautifully.
Q: How can I make this salad more festive for holiday gatherings?
A: Sprinkle in dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for pops of color and tartness. Adding some crumbled goat cheese or feta can also elevate the creaminess and contrast. Serve it on a bed of mixed greens like arugula or baby kale for visual appeal and added nutrients.
Q: Is this salad suitable for make-ahead preparations?
A: Yes! Keep the salad components separate until just before serving-store the greens and chopped apples in one container, pecans in another, and the dressing in a small jar. Toss everything together minutes before serving to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
Q: Can this salad fit into a vegan or gluten-free diet?
A: Definitely. The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Just ensure your mustard and maple syrup are certified gluten-free, and skip any cheese additions to keep it vegan.
Q: What pairs well with the Apple Pecan Holiday Salad on the dinner table?
A: This salad shines as a side dish alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a hearty vegetable pot pie. It’s also a refreshing palate cleanser between richer courses, balancing the holiday spread with its shining, spiced flavor profile.
Ready to savor the crisp crunch of fall in every bite? the Apple Pecan Holiday Salad with Cozy Fall spice dressing is your new seasonal staple-simple, spirited, and delightfully delicious.
Future Outlook
Celebrate autumn with Apple Pecan Holiday Salad and Cozy Fall Spice Dressing. Crisp apples, toasted pecans, and warm spices make this dish a comforting, festive favorite—perfect as a side or light meal that captures the season’s warmth and richness.
