Description
A fresh and vibrant Cranberry Pecan Salad combining mixed greens, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and tangy feta cheese, tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette and enhanced with optional add-ins like apple, pomegranate seeds, grilled chicken, and avocado for a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 apple or pear, thinly sliced (optional)
Cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (or your favorite dressing)
Optional Garnishes and Add-ins
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Grilled chicken slices (for added protein)
- Avocado slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, thinly sliced red onion, and the sliced apple or pear if you choose to add fruit for extra sweetness and texture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese evenly over the salad to introduce a creamy and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together, starting with a small amount of dressing and adding more as needed to coat the ingredients evenly without overwhelming their natural flavors.
- Serve: Transfer the tossed salad to individual plates and garnish with optional pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and burst of sweetness, grilled chicken slices for protein, and avocado slices for creaminess.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crunchy textures and balanced flavors at their best.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the feta/goat cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or toast in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- Use fresh mixed greens and slice ingredients just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to taste, adding it gradually to prevent overdressing the salad.
- Add grilled chicken to make the salad a complete, protein-rich meal.
