Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
User Reviews
5
Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad
Description
The Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad features a base of shredded kale massaged with a bright vinaigrette combining apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, shallots, olive oil, and honey. The dressing softens the kale slightly while adding a tangy, slightly sweet note. Diced apples and celery add fresh crunch, and dried cranberries contribute sweet chewiness.
Cooked bacon pieces provide savory crispness, while crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy contrast. To add extra texture and a sweet-spiced crunch, homemade candied pecans are baked after coating in an egg white and sugar mixture flavored with pumpkin pie spice, kosher salt, and optional cayenne pepper. The salad is gently tossed to combine all ingredients without bruising the kale or losing the candied nuts' coating.
This salad works well as a side dish or a light lunch and provides a satisfying balance of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy components. It highlights seasonal ingredients and homemade candied nuts for added depth and interest.
Ingredients
- 3 lices Bacon diced
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 shallot diced, medium
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- salt Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 1 kale stems removed and leaves shredded, large bunch
- 1 apple diced, medium
- ½ cup celery sliced
- ½ cup cranberries dried, sweetened
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
for the candied pecans
- 1 egg large, white
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat; transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, shallot and Dijon; let stand 5 minutes. Whisk in olive oil and honey; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in kale and massage for 1 minute.
- Top with bacon, apple, celery, cranberries, feta cheese and candied pecans, and gently toss to combine.
for the candied pecans
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk egg white until frothy, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in sugar, salt, pumpkin pie spice and cayenne pepper.
- Stir in pecans until well combined and evenly coated.
- Spread pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Place into oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring at halftime. Let cool completely.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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