Ingredients
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
2 tbsp. water
1 c. pecans
6 c. mixed greens
2 apples, thinly sliced
1/2 c. crumbled blue cheese
1/2 c. dried cranberries
2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/2 shallot, finely chopped
1/2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/3 c. extra-virgin olive oil
Preparation
Step 1Candy pecans: In a skillet over medium heat, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and water. Stir, letting sugar dissolve, then add pecans and toss until totally coated. Let simmer 5 minutes until sticky, then remove from heat and let cool on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. (Pecans you don’t use for the salad can be stored in an airtight container up to 1 week.)Step 2Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine greens, apples, candied pecans, blue cheese, and dried cranberries. Refrigerate until ready to dress and serve.Step 3Make dressing: In a bowl or glass jar, whisk together apple cider vinegar, shallot, dijon, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.Step 4Drizzle salad with dressing and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Read on for our top tips on making this staple salad: Can I add anything else? Of course! While we love this recipe for the tangy blue cheese, bittersweet cranberries and fresh shallot vinaigrette, this salad is endlessly customizable. Add some grapes and make a pseudo-Waldorf salad. Toss in some croutons or if you want a healthier crunch, add some simple roasted chickpeas. Not a fan of blue cheese? Try feta or goat cheese instead! Whatever you do, don’t skip on the apples or leafy greens! What are the best apples to use? We love Fuji, Gala and Honeycrisp in our apple salads because of their sweetness and crisp texture—they give the perfect contrasting crunch to your leafy greens. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Save yourself some time and make the candied pecans and dressing ahead of time. The candied pecans can be made and stored in an airtight container up to 1 week ahead of time, while the dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Love apple salads but hungry for another leafy green? Try our Kale Salad with Apples and Toasted Almonds! If you tried making this salad, let us know how it went in the comments below!
