This Apple Pecan Harvest Salad combines the best fall flavors in a light salad that is the perfect side dish or even main. Spring Mix is the base for the salad with the addition of apples, pecans, dried cranberries, and goat cheese. It's all tossed in an easy homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette that will become your new favorite dressing!
What You'll Need for this Recipe:
- Spring Mix - Baby Spinach is also a great choice!
- Apples - use your favorite! I love using Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.
- Pecans
- Dried Cranberries
- Plain or Honey Goat Cheese - you can buy crumbled or buy a log and crumble it yourself.
- Apple Cider Vinaigrette - Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard, Salt, Pepper
Tips and FAQs!
How long does the Vinaigrette last?
Leftover vinaigrette will keep in the fridge for about a week. If separation occurs, just shake it up before using. In the fridge it may thicken and slightly solidify. Just take it out a few minutes before using so it can come to room temperature. Or if you're in a pinch, run the jar under warm water to speed up the process.
What should I pair with the salad?
I love how versatile this salad is! Some of my favorite meals to pair it with:
- Grilled or Baked Chicken
- Chicken Sausage - especially Apple Chicken Sausage
- Salmon
- Pork Tenderloin
- As a side salad for the holidays - it pairs great with Turkey or a Ham!
- With a creamy soup
Can I prep it in advance?
Yes! But a few things to keep in mind. You can mix up the dressing in advance (although you'll need to give another quick mix or shake before serving). But I would hold off on chopping the apples until right before as they will brown. I also wouldn't toss the salad together (especially the dressing) until right before serving. The greens will begin to wilt and get soggy once they are dressed.
I don't like goat cheese, what can I use instead?
Feta is a great substitute! But you can also omit the cheese all together if you want.
What can I substitute for the pecans?
Feel free to use a different nut or seed! I also love walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts.
Some other Salad Recipes that I love:
- Roasted Shrimp Thai Kale Salad
- Sweet Potato Southwest Salad
- Lemon Chickpea and Quinoa Mason Jar Salads
- Arugula Peach and Crispy Bacon Salad - from Olive and Artisan
- Blueberry Power Salad - from Fork in the Kitchen
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PrintApple Pecan Harvest Salad
This Apple Pecan Harvest Salad combines the best fall flavors in a light salad that is the perfect side dish or even main. Spring Mix is the base for the salad with the addition of apples, pecans, dried cranberries, and goat cheese. It's all tossed in an easy homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette that will become your new favorite dressing!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: By Hand
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Harvest Salad Ingredients
- 10oz Spring Mix, depending on servings
- 4oz Goat Cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup Dried Cranberries
- ½ cup Pecan Halves, roughly chopped
- 2 medium Apples, chopped
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- ⅓ cup Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Mix up the Dressing. Mix up the dressing ingredients and season with a pinch of salt and pepper, to taste. I like to shake everything up in a mason jar, but you could also blend in a small processor/blender, or mix by hand in a bowl.
- Assemble the Salad. When ready to serve, add the lettuce, and other salad ingredients in a large bowl. I like to reserve a little bit of each add-in for sprinkling on top. Toss together with your desired amount of dressing. Depending on the size of your salad, you may not use all the dressing (see note).
- Serve and Enjoy. Serve immediately.
Notes
Apple Cider Vinaigrette - The recipe makes about ⅔ cup dressing. Depending on the size of your salad/your dressing preference, you may not use it all. Leftover dressing keeps in the fridge for about a week. Or, the recipe can be easily halved if you would like less.
Keywords: Apple Pecan Harvest Salad, Fall Salad, Spring Mix Salad, Harvest Salad, Apple Cranberry Salad, Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing
Becca says
This looks so perfect for fall! I've been trying to incorporate more salads, so I cannot wait to try it!!
Kathleen says
Thank you so much! I hope you love it 🙂
Stella says
Can avocado oil be used instead of olive?? I made this and it was awesome , but not a super fan of olive oil ... I’d like to serve this along with dinner next week ...
thank you
★★★★★
Kathleen says
Absolutely! You can substitute any oil that you prefer. Glad you liked it!