Apple Pecan Salad

There’s just something about this salad. The combination of flavors and the varied textures hits all the right notes. Though it’s perfect for complementing elaborate holiday meals, it makes a beautiful side salad for any meal. 😍 While Wendy’s apple pecan salad is only available part of the year, this not-quite copycat recipe is here for year-round. You can even make this salad as a whole meal if you’d like. Just add your favorite protein or some whole grains, and you’ll fill up quick! I can say there are loads of good-for-you nutrients in the greens, apples, and pecans. Plus, the balsamic vinaigrette is homemade with no preservatives or unnecessary chemicals. 👍🏿

Recipe Ingredients

How to Make Apple Pecan Salad

Make the Vinaigrette -In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, lemon juice, and honey Dijon mustard until fully combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust Seasonings – Give the dressing a taste test and adjust the ingredients as you see fit. If too tart, add more honey. If too sweet, add more vinegar or lemon juice. Store in a glass jar for 3-6 days in the fridge if not using immediately. Assemble – Place the mixed greens, sliced apples, dried cranberry, blue cheese, roasted or candied pecans, and apple slices in a large serving bowl. Serve – Right before serving, pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Adjust dressing to preference with more or less as needed. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Tips and Tricks

Make-Ahead Instructions

You should chop the apples and dress the salad at the last minute; otherwise, the lettuce can get soggy and the apples turn brown. That said, there are quite a few steps you can complete ahead of time. The day ahead, you can wash and dry your greens, crumble the blue cheese, mix the dressing, and candy the pecans.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Serve this salad just after assembling. You can serve it pre-dressed or keep the vinaigrette on the side. Store leftover salad and dressing separately if possible and consume them ASAP. Over time, the lettuce wilts and the apples brown.

What Goes With Apple Pecan Salad

I love to serve apple pecan salad with some steamy sweet potato soup and homemade no-knead bread. It also goes well with elaborate meals like a spatchcock turkey with cornbread dressing. 😋