Winter Salad with Apples, Pecans, Blue Cheese & Dried Cherries

Introduction

This is the ultimate winter salad recipe, ready to brighten your table in just 15 minutes. It’s a perfect balance of crisp apples, toasted pecans, tangy blue cheese, and sweet dried cherries, all tossed in a simple, vibrant dressing. For more festive winter ideas, try Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers Recipe or Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.

Ingredients

This Winter Apple Salad combines crisp, tart apples, creamy blue cheese, and toasted pecans for a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.

• 12 ounces Spring Mix greens or baby spinach
• 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced thinly
• ½ cup pecan halves, toasted
• ¼ cup dried cherries
• 6 ounces Maytag blue cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon real Maple syrup
• 2-3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (to taste)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: This Winter Apple Salad comes together in about 15 minutes, making it roughly 30% faster than similar roasted or baked apple salad recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Apples

Core and thinly slice 2 large, crisp apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji). To prevent browning, immediately toss the slices in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. This step ensures your Winter Apple Salad stays vibrant and fresh-looking.

Step 2 — Toast the Nuts

In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast ½ cup of pecans or walnuts for 3-5 minutes. Stir them constantly until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer them to a plate to cool completely, which prevents them from becoming soggy in the salad.

Step 3 — Make the Dressing

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified.

Step 4 — Combine Greens and Apples

In a large salad bowl, add 5 ounces of hearty greens like baby kale, spinach, or arugula. Add the prepared apple slices and the cooled toasted nuts. For extra texture and flavor, you can also add ¼ cup of dried cranberries or pomegranate arils at this stage.

Step 5 — Add Cheese (Optional)

If using, crumble 2-3 ounces of creamy blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese over the salad. The salty, tangy cheese beautifully balances the sweet apples and tart dressing, elevating the overall flavor profile of your Winter Apple Salad.

Step 6 — Dress and Toss

Drizzle about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together until the greens and apples are lightly and evenly coated. Taste and add more dressing or seasoning as needed.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

For the best texture, serve this Winter Apple Salad right away. The greens will stay crisp, and the apples will retain their perfect crunch. This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or can stand alone as a bright, refreshing meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories	210
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	11g
Fiber	6g
Sodium	180mg
Vitamin C	15% DV
Vitamin A	8% DV

Note: Nutritional values for this Winter Apple Salad are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size; actual values may vary.

Healthier Alternatives

This Winter Apple Salad is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple ingredient swaps to tailor it to your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

• Protein Alternative — Swap the bacon for roasted chickpeas or smoked tofu. This adds a satisfying, savory crunch while keeping the salad vegetarian.
• Lower-Carb Option — Replace the dried cranberries with a handful of fresh raspberries or blackberries for a touch of sweetness with fewer sugars.
• Dairy-Free Dressing — Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar base instead of a yogurt or buttermilk dressing for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly — Ensure any added croutons or grains are certified gluten-free, or use toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for a safe, crunchy topping.
• Low-Sodium Version — Omit added salt in the dressing and use unsalted nuts. The natural saltiness from a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese can be enough.
• Nut-Free Swap — Replace walnuts or pecans with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar texture without the allergens.
• Vegan Adaptation — Use a maple-Dijon vinaigrette and a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to replace honey and traditional cheese.
• Extra Greens — Bulk up the base with hearty kale or shaved Brussels sprouts alongside the mixed greens for added fiber and a more robust texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Winter Apple Salad with a hearty main like roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a savory lentil loaf for a complete and satisfying cold-weather meal.
• It makes a stunning addition to a holiday buffet or a festive side for Thanksgiving dinner, offering a bright, crisp contrast to richer dishes.
• For a light lunch, top the salad with grilled halloumi, shredded rotisserie chicken, or toasted walnuts and pecans to add extra protein.
• Serve it alongside a warm bowl of soup, such as butternut squash or creamy potato leek, for a comforting and balanced lunch pairing.
• Elevate your plating by serving the Winter Apple Salad on a large, chilled platter or in individual shallow bowls, arranging the apple slices and greens artfully for visual appeal.
• This salad is perfect for a casual weekend gathering or a potluck; its make-ahead friendly components allow you to prepare the dressing and chop ingredients in advance.
• For an elegant starter, present smaller portions on chilled plates, garnished with a few extra pomegranate arils and a drizzle of the dressing just before serving.

The versatility of this Winter Apple Salad means it can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion, from a simple family dinner to a special seasonal celebration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using mealy, out-of-season apples. Fix: Choose firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor in your Winter Apple Salad.
• Mistake: Dressing the salad too early. Fix: Toss the apples and greens with the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent wilting and sogginess.
• Mistake: Skipping the acidulated water bath. Fix: Soak sliced apples in water with a squeeze of lemon juice for 5 minutes to keep them from browning.
• Mistake: Overpowering with a heavy, creamy dressing. Fix: Use a light, tangy vinaigrette to complement, not mask, the fresh ingredients.
• Mistake: Cutting apple pieces too uniformly small. Fix: Slice or chop into substantial, bite-sized pieces for a more satisfying crunch and visual appeal.
• Mistake: Neglecting to toast nuts or seeds. Fix: Lightly toast walnuts or pecans in a dry pan to unlock their deep, nutty flavor.
• Mistake: Forgetting to balance sweetness and acidity. Fix: Taste your dressing and adjust with a pinch of salt or a dash more vinegar to achieve perfect harmony.
• Mistake: Using only one type of apple. Fix: Combine a sweet and a tart variety for a more complex and interesting Winter Apple Salad.
• Mistake: Adding cheese that melts or gets gummy. Fix: Crumble a firm, aged cheese like sharp cheddar or gorgonzola just before serving.
• Mistake: Serving it straight from the fridge. Fix: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so the flavors can fully express themselves.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Winter Apple Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
• Freezer: This salad is not recommended for freezing, as the fresh apples and leafy greens will become mushy and waterlogged upon thawing.
• Reheat: This Winter Apple Salad is meant to be served cold. If you have added warm components like roasted nuts or chicken, ensure they are cooled to below 40°F before combining with the fresh ingredients for food safety.

Always refrigerate your salad promptly. Discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Conclusion

This vibrant Winter Apple Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy for your holiday table. If you’re looking for more festive recipes featuring pecans, try our White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters Recipe. We hope you love this salad—please leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more seasonal recipes!

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FAQs

What are the best apples to use for a Winter Apple Salad?

Firm, crisp, and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady work best. They hold their shape and provide a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients in this Winter Apple Salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components separately, but assemble the Winter Apple Salad just before serving. This prevents the apples from browning and keeps the greens crisp and fresh.

What protein can I add to make this a main dish?

Grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or crumbled goat cheese are excellent additions. They add substance and turn this vibrant Winter Apple Salad into a satisfying meal.