Spiced Apple Pecan Salad: A Taste of Autumn in Every Bite
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, it’s time to bring the comforting flavors of fall into the kitchen—and what better way than with a fresh, vibrant salad that celebrates the season? You know we love hosting people and this has been a major hit at the last couple of gatherings! We aren’t serving the same menu to the same groups of people but when you find something that works, you go with it! This is the perfect fall salad. It is fresh, simple but has the best kick. I think I’ve sent the recipe out to over a dozen of people. So today, I’m sharing it with you!
Our Spiced Apple Pecan Salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy. It’s quick to toss together but sophisticated enough to serve at a holiday dinner or autumn brunch. With warm spices, crisp apples, toasted pecans, and a vinaigrette that ties it all together, this salad brings the orchard to your plate.
Notes
Recipe from the Keeping up Cookbook
Ingredients
- SALAD
- 6-8 cups assorted greens
- 3/4 cup Feta Cheese
- 1/2 a Red onion, finely sliced
- 2 large red apples, finely sliced
- 3-4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries,
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- CANDIED PECANS
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 T butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- DRESSING
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 Tbs. sugar
Instructions
- Make the spiced pecans. Over medium heat, melt butter in a pan and add sugar and spices. Add pecan pieces and stir until well coated. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugar caramelizes and pecans darken slightly in color. Transfer mixture to a paper bag or parchment paper to cool. Break up pieces.
- Assemble salad ingredients and top with cooled pecans. To avoid browning, apples can be added directly to dressing, or cut before serving. Toss salad with dressing and serve.
Why You’ll Love It:
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Seasonal & Fresh: Apples, pecans, and maple are peak fall ingredients.
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Simple Yet Elegant: Easy enough for a weeknight, pretty enough for company.
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Versatile: Add grilled chicken or roasted squash for a heartier meal.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something fresh and festive, this Spiced Apple Pecan Salad brings warmth and color to your table.
✨ Pro Tip: Prep the pecans and dressing ahead of time. Keep everything separate and toss together right before serving to maintain the best texture.
I love the the base of this salad can be any type of greens. I used a mixed spring green mix and diced Romain. It is a quick to assemble too. I make the pecans and the dressing ahead of time and when it’s time to gather, toss them all together.
This is a multiplier salad. Super easy to use with a crowd. I tripled it for our recent gathering and it fed over 30 people! Salads are my favorite things to serve at gatherings because a little goes a long way! It will surely be a family favorite!
If you’re looking for something fun and different to serve this holiday season, then this is the perfect salad for all of your gatherings. The spiced apple pecan salad will add all the zest to your get togethers!
Looking for more favorite salads? Check out more here!
