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Creamy Harvest Apple Pecan Salad

creamy harvest apple pecan salad - featured image
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A substantial, textural salad featuring crisp Honeycrisp apples, toasted pecans, and a creamy maple vinaigrette made with Greek yogurt and mayo. It is a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for fall.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, cored and sliced or diced
  • 1.5 cups pecan halves
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% fat recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Remove immediately to a plate to cool.
  2. Wash, core, and slice or dice the apples. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Toss lightly with lemon juice if concerned about browning.
  3. Finely dice the red onion and celery, then add them to the bowl with the apples.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour the dressing over the apple and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to coat evenly, being careful not to crush the apples.
  6. Add the cooled pecans last to maintain their crunch.
  7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Toss again before serving.

Notes

For best texture, add pecans just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. If making ahead, store apples and dressing separately for up to 24 hours. Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji; avoid soft varieties like McIntosh or Red Delicious. For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt and mayo with dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple salad, pecan salad, harvest salad, maple vinaigrette, fall side dish, creamy salad, healthy side dish, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/creamy-harvest-apple-pecan-salad-5-easy-harvest-side-dish/