Easy Apple Pecan Salad [With Cranberries]
User Reviews
5
Easy Apple Pecan Salad [With Cranberries]
Description
Easy Apple Pecan Salad [With Cranberries] features a fresh mix of greens topped with crisp Granny Smith apples, pecans, and cranberries. The salad is completed by crumbled tofu marinated in a dressing made with olive oil, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and water. Diced apples are tossed with the greens for even flavor distribution, while thin apple slices serve as garnish for visual appeal. The dressing’s combination of acidity and sweetness complements the crunchy nuts and fruit, producing a balanced texture and taste.
The tofu offers protein and soaks in the dressing to provide a soft, flavorful element contrasting the crunchy and juicy ingredients. The salad is served with dressing on the side to maintain crispness of the greens. This feature allows diners to customize the amount of dressing, keeping the salad fresh and vibrant until ready to eat.
A great choice for a light lunch or as a companion to grilled dishes, this salad’s distinct textures and harmonious flavors stem from its combination of ingredients and thoughtful preparation.
Adjustments in nut choice and dressing flavors can refine the salad's taste. Toasting pecans before adding will deepen their flavor, and marinating the tofu in the dressing for at least 30 minutes enhances its savory profile.
Ingredients
- ½ cup tofu crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 5 tablespoons of water
- 5 ounces mixed greens
- 2 apple Granny Smith variety
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or any other nut or seed
- ¼ cup cranberries or raisins
Instructions
- Add the tofu to a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a small jar or bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, sugar, dijon mustard, and water. Mix well and add 2 tablespoons of dressing to the crumbled tofu. Mix well and set aside.
- To assemble the salad, dice 1 and a half apples and thinly slice the other half for garnish. Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl and add the diced apples. Toss well and garnish with the slices of apples, nuts, cranberries, and tofu.
- Serve immediately with the dressing on the side to keep the greens fresh and crispy.
Notes
- Choose crisp apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast in the salad.
- Toast pecans or walnuts briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their aroma and crunch.
- Prepare the dressing first and taste it before assembling; adjust sweetness or acidity to your preference.
- Allow tofu to marinate in the dressing for at least 30 minutes to deepen its flavor before adding to the salad.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 176 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 176kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Sodium | 183mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 294mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 3599IU | 72% |
| Vitamin C | 38mg | 42% |
| Calcium | 145mg | 15% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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