Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Dressing (Fresh Fall Apple Salad Recipe)

This Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Dressing is a fresh, colorful fall apple salad recipe made with crisp apples, mixed greens, crunchy pecans, creamy cheese, and a simple homemade maple vinaigrette. If you love seasonal salads like Southern Garden Salad, Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad, or Cranberry Spinach Salad, this apple salad with pecans is an easy side dish for holiday meals, Thanksgiving dinners, and cozy fall gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This

• This apple pecan salad is crisp, fresh, and full of sweet-savory fall flavor

• The homemade maple dressing for salad adds cozy seasonal sweetness

• It works as an easy fall salad recipe for weeknights, brunches, or holiday dinners

• This apple salad recipe looks beautiful on the table and comes together fast

• You can serve this pecan apple salad as a side or add protein to make it a meal

• It pairs well with roasted meats, holiday mains, and other fresh side dishes

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Servings: 4

Nutrition Information

(per serving)

• Calories: 220

• Protein: 4 g

• Carbohydrates: 18 g

• Fat: 15 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 11 g

Ingredients

For the apple pecan salad

• 6 cups mixed greens (about 180 g), such as spring mix or baby spinach

• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced, such as Honeycrisp or Gala

• 1/2 cup candied or toasted pecans (about 60 g)

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (about 30 g)

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (about 40 g), optional

• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion (about 20 g)

For the maple vinaigrette salad dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil (60 ml)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (15 ml)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This simple dressing gives the apple pecan salad with maple dressing its signature sweet and tangy flavor.

2. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, pecans, cheese, dried cranberries if using, and red onion.

3. Pour the maple vinaigrette for apple salad over the salad just before serving.

4. Toss gently until the greens and toppings are lightly coated.

5. Serve immediately as a fresh fall apple salad side dish with holiday meals, roasted chicken, ham, pork, or turkey.

Tips & Variations

• For the best apple salad recipe, use crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady

• Toasted pecans give this apple pecan salad a deeper flavor, but candied pecans make it feel extra holiday-ready

• Swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese for a different version of this fall salad with apples

• Add grilled chicken or turkey to turn this apple salad with maple dressing into a light meal

• A handful of arugula adds a peppery bite to this mixed green apple pecan salad

• Roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash make this autumn salad recipe even more seasonal

Make-Ahead & Storage

This apple pecan salad recipe is best assembled right before serving, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Wash the greens, toast the pecans, and mix the maple vinaigrette dressing up to 5 days in advance. Slice the apples shortly before serving, or toss them with a little lemon juice to help prevent browning. Store the salad components separately in the refrigerator and combine when ready to eat.

FAQ

What apples work best for apple pecan salad?

The best apples for apple pecan salad are crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady. They hold their texture well and balance the savory pecans and cheese.

Can I make this fall apple salad ahead of time?

Yes. You can prep the ingredients ahead, but for the freshest fall apple salad, wait to add the dressing until just before serving.

How do I keep apples from browning in salad?

To keep apples fresh in this apple salad recipe, toss the slices with a little lemon juice or store them briefly in cold water with lemon.

What greens work best in an apple pecan salad?

Spring mix, baby spinach, and arugula all work well in an apple pecan salad with mixed greens. You can use one or combine them.

Can I use a different nut in this pecan apple salad?

Yes. Walnuts, almonds, or candied nuts are all good substitutes in this apple salad with nuts.

Can I make the maple dressing ahead?

Absolutely. The maple dressing for salad can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Shake or whisk before using.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Dressing is one of those easy fall salad recipes that feels both fresh and cozy at the same time. The crisp apples, crunchy pecans, creamy cheese, and sweet-tangy maple vinaigrette create a beautiful balance of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you need an apple salad for Thanksgiving, a quick holiday side salad, or a simple autumn salad with apples and pecans, this recipe is an easy choice that always looks impressive on the table.