Description
A vibrant and refreshing holiday salad featuring crisp apples, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and savory feta cheese over mixed greens.
Ingredients
8 cups mixed greens
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans
1 apple, diced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the dressing (optional): 1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: If desired, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently. Let them cool completely.
Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooled dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and diced apple.
Step 3: Gently crumble the feta cheese over the salad ingredients.
Step 4: (Optional Dressing) In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 5: Just before serving, pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish for your Thanksgiving feast.
Notes
For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for more color and a burst of juicy flavor. You can also use candied pecans for added sweetness. For a dairy-free option, omit the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting pecans)
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
