A Fall Salad To Delight
An apple pecan salad with Dijon vinaigrette dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for any season. The combination of crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and fresh greens brings a delightful mix of textures and flavors to the table.
The sweetness of the apples pairs beautifully with the nutty richness of the pecans, creating a satisfying bite in every forkful. However, the tangy Dijon vinaigrette truly elevates this salad, balancing the sweetness of the apples and bringing a zesty kick to the mix.
Whether serving it as a light lunch, a side dish, or as part of a larger meal, this salad offers versatility and elegance. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate seasonal produce into your diet, making it nutritious and delicious.
The combination of crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and fresh greens brings a delightful mix of textures and flavors to the table and a wealth of health benefits. Topped with a sprinkle of crumbled cheese or dried cranberries for an added layer of flavor, this apple pecan salad will quickly become a go-to favorite for any occasion. Its simple preparation and bright flavors make it the perfect dish for a fresh, flavorful dining experience.
What’s On Hand
My wife adapted this apple pecan salad with sweet dijon vinaigrette dressing from one we received with our weekly CSA package of local fruits and vegetables. She used “what’s on hand” in our pantry and refrigerator; you can do the same in your house.
The dressing is a simple mustard vinaigrette sweetened with maple syrup. We also used apple cider vinegar, but you could substitute champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar if that’s all you have.
We used a combination of bib lettuce with arugula because that’s what we had in the refrigerator, but you could substitute red leaf, green leaf, or even iceberg if that’s all you have on hand. I’m giving you guesstimated ingredient amounts because everyone likes them, but to be honest, we never measure ingredients for salads. We grab a handful of this and add it to a handful of that. Full disclosure.
Ingredients
Pecans
Pecans are a type of nut native to North America. They are prized for their rich flavor, crunchy texture, and nutritional benefits. Pecans are commonly associated with Southern cuisine and often used in various sweet and savory dishes.
Pecans have a distinctive rich and buttery flavor profile with a slightly sweet undertone. They can be enjoyed in various forms, including raw, roasted, salted, or candied, each offering a unique taste and texture experience.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard is a classic condiment with a rich history and a distinctive flavor profile. Originating from the city of Dijon in the Burgundy region of France, Dijon mustard is renowned for its smooth texture, bold flavor, and versatility in culinary applications.
The key ingredients in Dijon mustard are mustard seeds, vinegar, salt, and sometimes wine or wine must. What sets Dijon mustard apart from other types of mustard is its preparation method, which involves finely grinding or milling the mustard seeds and then blending them with the other ingredients to create a smooth and creamy consistency.
Dijon mustard is characterized by its sharp, tangy flavor, which is less pungent and more nuanced than traditional yellow mustard. It has a slightly spicy kick, balanced by subtle notes of acidity and sweetness from the vinegar and wine.
Craisins
Craisins, also known as dried cranberries, are a popular and versatile dried fruit made from cranberries. They are produced by partially dehydrating fresh cranberries, resulting in a sweet and slightly tart flavor with a chewy texture.
Craisins are widely used in cooking, baking, and snacking, adding a burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color to various dishes. They are commonly used as a topping for salads, oatmeal, yogurt, and baked goods such as muffins, cookies, and bread. Craisins can also be incorporated into trail mix, granola bars, and snack mixes for a sweet and tangy twist.
In addition to their delicious taste, craisins are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They contain beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and dietary fiber, making them a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
Apple Pecan and Craisins Salad
Ingredients
- 12 - 16 ounces salad greens
- 1/2 cup craisins substitute dried cranberries or dried cherries
- 1/2 cup candied pecans We get them at Trader Joe's, but they are now available in most supermarkets. If you can't find them, substitute pecan halves.
- 2 apples cored and thinly sliced
For the Dressing
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup use the real thing if you have it
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil Don't use extra virgin olive unless you have to. I find it overpowers the flavor of the greens
Instructions
- I like to make my salad dressings in a small jar, but a coffee cup or glass measuring cup works well, too. Combine the mustard, maple syrup, and vinegar in a small container. Use a fork to combine well. If I'm working with a jar with a lid, I'll combine the ingredients by putting the lid on the jar and giving it a shake.
- Adding the oil. You want to emulsify the ingredients. Oil and vinegar do not naturally combine, but the mustard is an emulsifier to help them play nice together. Vigorous stirring or shaking helps, too, so I like to slowly add (pour) the olive oil into the jar with one hand and stir hard with a fork in the other hand.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Salad
- In your favorite salad bowl (we like our old wooden bowls that we've had for years), add the greens.
- At this point, I like to add the dressing a little at a time until I have the perfect combination of greens and salad dressing. You never want to pour all the dressing on the salad, so the greens are swimming. My wife and I call this over-dressing "Laura the Salad" and say to each other as we are about to add the dressing, "Don't Laura the Salad!"
- Add the craisins, pecans, and apples when you reach the optimum balance between greens and vinaigrette. We don't add everything at first and stir to combine because we find that the other ingredients go straight to the bottom of the bowl. If you add these other ingredients after you've combined the greens and the vinaigrette, you can GENTLY give the salad a stir and keep all the fun stuff on top.
- Bring the bowl to the table to serve or plate the salad on individual plates and serve.
