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fall harvest salad with maple candied pecans - featured image

Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Candied Pecans

  • Author: Isabel
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A vibrant and seasonal salad featuring crisp spinach, sweet apples, tangy feta, and crunchy maple candied pecans, all tossed in a simple apple cider vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp or Gala apples, sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup raw pecan halves
  • 3 tbsp real maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine maple syrup, butter, and pecans. Stir constantly.
  3. Once the mixture bubbles vigorously, continue stirring until the syrup turns deep amber and coats the nuts (about 1-2 minutes).
  4. Pour the candied pecans onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and let cool completely until hardened.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  6. Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach. Slice apples into thin half-moons and crumble the feta.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, apple slices, dried cranberries, and feta cheese.
  8. Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  9. Serve immediately, topping each portion with the cooled candied pecans.

Notes

Ensure spinach is completely dry to prevent dressing from sliding off. Do not burn the maple syrup; keep heat at medium and stir constantly. Candied pecans can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Assemble salad just before eating to keep nuts crunchy.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20
  • Sodium: 250
  • Fat: 20
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 8

Keywords: fall salad, maple candied pecans, harvest salad, healthy dinner, quick salad, spinach salad, apple salad, gluten-free

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Find it online: https://mealsfordinner.com/fall-harvest-salad-with-maple-candied-pecans-the-1-trick/