Description
This refreshing Holiday Honeycrisp Salad is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors featuring fresh mixed greens, crisp Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, candied pecans, creamy goat cheese, and red onion. It’s an easy-to-assemble salad that’s ideal for festive gatherings or a light, vibrant meal any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup candied pecans
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens evenly to form the base layer of the salad, providing a fresh and crisp foundation for the toppings.
- Add Toppings: Layer the thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, candied pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and thinly sliced red onion over the greens, evenly distributing each ingredient for balanced flavor and texture.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring the salad is mixed while maintaining the integrity and crispness of the delicate components.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle your favorite salad dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp apples for their sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture; substitute with Fuji or Pink Lady apples if unavailable.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the goat cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Candied pecans add sweetness and crunch; to make your own, lightly caramelize pecans with brown sugar and butter.
- Pair this salad with a vinaigrette dressing such as balsamic or apple cider for complementary flavors.
- Serve immediately after dressing to prevent the salad greens and apples from wilting or browning.
