Description
A minimalist, filling fall salad featuring roasted Honeycrisp apples, candied pecans, mixed greens, and feta cheese with a creamy apple cider vinaigrette. It’s sweet, savory, and ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of salt
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach and arugula)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss apple chunks with melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast apples for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
- While apples roast, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon butter.
- Add brown sugar and pecans to the skillet. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until sugar melts and coats the nuts.
- Pour candied pecans onto a parchment-lined plate to cool and harden.
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, crumbled feta, and roasted apples.
- Drizzle with about three-quarters of the dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Add candied pecans and toss again. Add more dressing if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not over-roast the apples as they will continue to cook slightly after removal from the oven. Watch the pecans closely as brown sugar burns quickly. For best texture, keep greens cold and dress the salad just before serving. Store components separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
Keywords: fall salad, apple salad, pecan salad, roasted apples, easy salad, vegetarian main course, healthy lunch, gluten-free salad