Print

Cozy Autumn Harvest Salad with Candied Pecans

autumn harvest salad with candied pecans - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty autumn salad featuring candied pecans, crisp apples, dried cherries, and feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for cozy evenings or as a stunning side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, frisée)
  • 1 large Honeycrisp or Fuji apple, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried tart cherries
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne. Stir constantly until butter is melted and mixture is bubbling, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add pecan halves to the pan and stir until completely coated.
  4. Spread coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fragrant and coating is bubbling.
  5. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let cool completely on the baking sheet.
  6. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
  7. Wash and dry mixed greens. Thinly slice apple and red onion. Roughly chop dried cherries if desired.
  8. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apple, dried cherries, crumbled feta, and red onion. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently.
  9. Add cooled candied pecans and toss once more. Add more dressing if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make candied pecans ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Dress salad just before serving to keep greens crisp and pecans crunchy. For a main course, add grilled chicken, sliced steak, or roasted chickpeas.

Nutrition

Keywords: autumn salad, harvest salad, candied pecans, maple dressing, fall salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/cozy-autumn-harvest-salad-with-candied-pecans/