Cranberry Pecan Salad

Discovering this cranberry pecan salad felt like finding a secret garden of flavors on a crisp autumn day. The mix of tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy goat cheese tossed together became an instant favorite in my kitchen.

I remember the first time unplanned guests showed up and this salad saved the day with its bright, fresh taste and beautiful presentation—everyone asked for seconds.

Ingredients

• Mixed salad greens: I prefer a mix like baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for a balance of textures and flavors
• Cranberries: Tart and vibrant, fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries both work wonderfully
• Pecan halves: Toast them lightly to bring out their natural crunch and nuttiness
• Goat cheese: Crumbled for creamy tanginess that ties everything together
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp bite that cuts through the richness
• Apple (optional): Adds a crisp sweetness for an extra layer of texture
• Dressing ingredients: Extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper—each plays a part in the balance of sweet, tangy, and savory

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Gather all your ingredients and prep the salad components. Feel the crispness of the greens in your hands and notice the aroma from the toasted pecans as they cool.

Mix the Dressing:

Whisk oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing thickens slightly and shines with a glossy texture.

Bring It All Together:

Toss the greens, cranberries, pecans, goat cheese, red onion, and apple gently with the dressing. Hear the crunch and see the colors meld into a vibrant, inviting salad.

Serve and Enjoy:

Plate the salad immediately to preserve texture and freshness, and watch everyone dive in happily.

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This salad quickly became more than just food when it graced our holiday table, uniting friends and family with its cheerful colors and comforting flavors.

Keeping It Fresh

Store your greens separately from the dressing and toppings to maintain crispness. Assemble just before you plan to eat for the freshest bite.

When You're Missing Something

If you don’t have goat cheese, feta or blue cheese also work beautifully to add that creamy tang the salad needs.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or salmon to make a complete meal that feels light yet satisfying.

• Last minute thought you'd call out as a friend leaves your kitchen: Toast a few extra pecans to sprinkle on top for added crunch
• Another 'oh wait one more thing' moment: Drizzle a little extra balsamic vinegar if you want a bolder zing
• Final helpful note: Keep the dressing ingredients handy for a quick remix whenever you want a speedy salad fix

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Thanks for sharing this moment with me in the kitchen—may your salad always be crisp and your gatherings tasty.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I substitute the goat cheese with another cheese?

Yes, feta or blue cheese can be used in place of goat cheese for a different but complementary flavor.

→ How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?

Replace the goat cheese with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

→ What nuts are used in this salad?

Toasted pecan halves provide a crunchy texture and rich flavor to this salad.

→ Is the dressing served warm or cold?

The vinaigrette is prepared cold and drizzled over the salad just before serving.

→ Can I add fruit for extra sweetness?

Yes, thinly sliced apple is optional, or you may substitute pears for a different fruity note.