Are you ready to elevate your salad game to a whole new level? This Apple Feta and Spiced Pecan Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not just a side dish; it's a vibrant celebration of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing! With the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements, this salad is a delightful addition to any meal or a refreshing stand-alone dish. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this stunning salad that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Keep reading to discover how to create this culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 apples, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup spiced pecans
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup poppyseed dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the apples by washing them carefully, then core and dice into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base layer, creating an even foundation for the additional ingredients.
- Sprinkle the diced apples evenly across the mixed greens, ensuring a balanced distribution of fruit throughout the salad.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the salad, allowing small chunks to fall naturally across the greens and apples.
- Add the spiced pecans by gently scattering them over the salad, providing a crunchy texture and aromatic flavor.
- Drizzle the poppyseed dressing evenly over the entire salad, using a light hand to prevent oversaturation.
- Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Gently toss all ingredients together using salad tongs, ensuring each component is lightly coated with dressing and well-mixed.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the greens and the crunch of the pecans.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. This will add depth to your salad.
- Prep Ahead: If you're short on time, you can wash and chop the greens and apples in advance. Just keep them stored separately in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the salad.
- Fresh Greens Matter: Always use fresh, crisp mixed greens for the best texture. Spinach, arugula, or spring mix can work beautifully in this recipe.
- Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap out spiced pecans for other nuts like walnuts or candied almonds if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Dress It Up: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to your poppyseed dressing.
- Toss Gently: When mixing the salad, use a gentle hand to avoid bruising the greens and breaking the feta cheese into tiny pieces.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain the crunchiness of the ingredients. If you need to make it ahead, keep the dressing separate until serving.
- Add Protein: To make this salad a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for some extra protein.With these tips, you're all set to create a delicious and visually stunning Apple Feta and Spiced Pecan Salad that will wow everyone at your table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
