Apple Pecan Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing

User Reviews

4.7

102 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    25 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    8

  • Calories

    185 kcal

  • Course

    Salad

  • Cuisine

    American

Apple Pecan Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing

This Apple Pecan Salad features crisp romaine lettuce and thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples tossed with candied pecans, aged white cheddar, and chives, all coated in a creamy lemon dressing. The dressing blends crème fraîche or Greek yogurt with fresh lemon juice, zest, honey, and salt to create a tangy, slightly sweet finish. The salad offers fresh textures balanced by creamy and crunchy elements, with bright citrus notes enhancing the apple’s sweetness.

Description

Apple Pecan Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing brings together a mix of fresh romaine lettuce and tart-sweet Honeycrisp apples that are lightly tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning. Candied pecans add a crunchy, sweet contrast, while aged white cheddar provides a sharp, creamy dimension. Chives add a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.

The creamy lemon dressing combines crème fraîche or Greek yogurt for smoothness with freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for brightness. Honey introduces delicate sweetness and salt balances the flavors. Whisked together, the dressing lightly coats the salad, marrying the crisp textures and rich flavors.

This salad is best served immediately after tossing to preserve the freshness and texture of the apples and lettuce. It’s a versatile side salad that pairs well with light entrees or can be a fresh starter. Ingredients can be prepped ahead but tossing just before service ensures optimal presentation and flavor.

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Ingredients

Servings

For the Creamy Lemon Dressing:

  • 3/4 cup crème fraîche or plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • lemon zest of one
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Salad:

  • 2 romaine lettuce chopped, heads
  • 2 apple thinly sliced, large Honeycrisp
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
  • 1 cup pecans candied
  • 4 oz. White Cheddar Cheese grated with a potato peeler or large grater, aged
  • 1 tablespoon chive minced

Instructions

  1. To make the dressing, combine the crème fraiche or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth. Set aside. The dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance.
  2. To assemble the salad, place the lettuce in a large bowl. Drizzle lemon juice over the apple slices and toss to prevent them from browning. Add the apple slices, candied pecans, grated cheese, and chives to the salad bowl.
  3. Add the creamy lemon dressing and toss until salad is well coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Prepare the dressing up to two days in advance and refrigerate for convenience.
  • To maintain apple freshness, toss apple slices with lemon juice immediately after slicing.
  • Assemble and toss the salad right before serving to preserve texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 185kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 16mg (5%) Sodium 296mg (12%) Potassium 112mg (2%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 15g (30%) Vitamin A 793IU (16%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 138mg (14%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 185 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 185kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 16mg 5%
Sodium 296mg 12%
Potassium 112mg 2%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 15g 30%
Vitamin A 793IU 16%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 138mg 14%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.7

102 reviews
Excellent

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