Sweet, Crunchy, and Bold
This apple pecan blue cheese salad is the perfect balance of crisp, sweet, and savory, making it a standout side or light meal any time of year. Juicy apples, toasted pecans, and creamy blue cheese come together over fresh greens for a salad that feels restaurant-worthy but is incredibly easy to make at home. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or when you want something fresh yet satisfying without turning on the oven. Ready in minutes, this salad is a go-to for fall flavors, quick lunches, or elegant dinners that still feel effortless.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients List
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (spring mix or baby spinach)
- 2 crisp apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work best)
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup blue cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional, for extra sweetness)
Simple Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small skillet (for toasting pecans)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Small mixing bowl or jar
- Large salad bowl
- Whisk or fork
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Remove and let cool 🌰
- Prep the apples: Core apples and slice thinly into even pieces. No need to peel for extra crunch.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the salad: Add greens to a large bowl. Top with apples, toasted pecans, blue cheese, and cranberries if using.
- Dress and toss: Drizzle dressing lightly over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated 🥗✨
💡 Pro Tips
- Make ahead: Toast pecans and mix dressing up to 3 days in advance. Store separately.
- Apple swap: Pears work beautifully if apples aren’t available.
- Cheese option: Goat cheese or feta can replace blue cheese for a milder flavor.
- Storage: Keep undressed salad refrigerated and add dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.