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Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

Irresistible Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad Recipe in 45 Minute

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A fresh and flavorful salad with crisp apples, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and savory bacon, all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 slices bacon, diced
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 medium shallot, diced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large bunch kale, stems removed and leaves shredded
  • 1 medium apple, diced
  • ½ cup sliced celery
  • ½ cup dried sweetened cranberries
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • For the candied pecans:
  • 1 large egg white
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

  1. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat; transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, shallot, and Dijon; let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk in olive oil and honey; season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in kale and massage for 1 minute.
  3. Top with bacon, apple, celery, cranberries, feta cheese, and candied pecans. Gently toss to combine.
  4. For the candied pecans: Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk egg white until frothy, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in sugar, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Stir in pecans until well coated. Spread on the baking sheet in an even layer.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let cool completely.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon.
  • Use any crunchy apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
  • Author: Livia Reed
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Tossing, Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg