Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Dressing (Fresh, Crunchy & Fall-Inspired!)

Sarah Smith
Nov 6, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Jan 2

Fresh salad with spinach, apple slices, pecans, and feta on a wooden table. A salt shaker and white cloth are visible beside it.

Crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and creamy cheese come together in this Apple Pecan Salad — a fresh, colorful side dish that’s perfect for fall gatherings or holiday dinners. Tossed in a sweet maple vinaigrette, it’s cozy, seasonal, and beautiful on the table. This refreshing salad pairs beautifully with Southern Garden Salad and Creamy Ranch Pasta salad, or serve it next to Cranberry Spinach Salad for color and crunch.

Ingredients

6 cups mixed greens (spring mix or spinach)
2 apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala)
½ cup candied or toasted pecans
¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced

Maple Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine greens, apples, pecans, cheese, and red onion.
Drizzle with dressing and toss gently before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Brown Sugar Glazed Ham or Slow-Cooked Pork Roast.
Add grilled chicken or turkey slices for a light main dish.

FAQ

What apples work best for this salad?

Crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala work best. They stay crunchy and add the perfect balance of sweetness to the savory pecans and greens.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients up to 24 hours ahead, but wait to toss everything with the dressing until just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

Slice the apples and toss them lightly with lemon juice or store them in cold water with a splash of lemon. This keeps them bright and fresh for hours.

What greens are best for this salad?

Spring mix, baby spinach, or arugula all work beautifully. You can also use a combination for added texture and flavor.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes! Pecans are classic for this fall salad, but walnuts, almonds, or candied nuts also taste delicious.

Can I make the maple dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely — the dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just shake or whisk it before serving, as the maple syrup and oil can settle.

Final Thoughts

Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Dressing is a fresh, flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet, crunchy, and savory elements. Crisp apples, toasted pecans, and a lightly sweet maple dressing come together for a salad that feels both cozy and refreshing. It’s easy to prepare, pairs beautifully with chicken, pork, or holiday mains, and works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for special occasions. If you’re looking for a salad that’s simple yet memorable, this one is sure to earn a spot on your regular rotation.