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Apple Pecan Blue Cheese Salad

Gourmet Apple Pecan Blue Cheese Salad with crisp apples, toasted pecans, tangy blue cheese crumbles, dried cranberries, and mixed greens tossed in sweet maple balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect fall salad.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, spring mix)
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
  • 1 cup toasted pecans
  • 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • Maple vinaigrette:
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • 1. Toast pecans in dry skillet over medium heat 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Cool.
  • 2. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  • 3. In large bowl, toss mixed greens with half the vinaigrette.
  • 4. Arrange sliced apples, toasted pecans, blue cheese crumbles, and dried cranberries over greens.
  • 5. Drizzle remaining vinaigrette over top. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Toss apples in lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • Substitute goat cheese for milder flavor.
  • Perfect fall side for pork tenderloin or grilled chicken.
  • Make vinaigrette ahead up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pecan salad, blue cheese salad, fall salad recipes, gourmet salad