This Autumn Apple and Pecan Salad is an incredibly healthy and delicious recipe.  Mixed greens are tossed with apples, tart cranberries, gorgonzola cheese, toasted pecans, and pepitas and drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. A quick and easy salad, perfect for all of your fall and holiday meals and parties.

 I had a similar version of this salad at a restaurant several years ago. It was so delish that I decided to try and replicate it. Since then, it has become my go-to fall and winter salad recipe. There’s an explosion of flavor in every bite! 

Tammy’s Tips For Autumn Apple and Pecan Salad 

Apples – I like using Gala apples, but I’ve also used Honey Crisp and Granny Smith. You can also add or substitute your favorite type of pear. Both apples and pears have a low glycemic index and are rich in soluble fiber. 

Nuts  – Walnuts can be substituted for the pecans in this recipe. Nuts are excellent sources of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. 

Pepitas – Pepitas are rich in antioxidants, zinc, and magnesium. Pepitas differ from pumpkin seeds. Some sources say they are just hulled pumpkin seeds. Other sources say pepitas are harvested from hull-less pumpkins and pumpkin seeds come from pumpkins that produce a hulled seed that is fibrous and tender. I say either work in this recipe. 😉

Cheese – Goat cheese, blue cheese, and feta make great subs for the gorgonzola. 

Dried Cranberries – Dried cranberries often have added sugar and refined oil. Be sure to read the ingredient label. The only ingredient should be cranberries. I’ve also used raisins instead of cranberries, but again check that label.

Balsamic Vinaigrette – This is hands down my favorite dressing. I like to serve it on the side, which prevents any leftover salad from becoming soggy.

As you can see, this salad is extremely versatile. Adding, substituting, or eliminating ingredients is entirely legal. 🙂 Make it your own and enjoy!!!

5 from 1 vote

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Autumn Apple and Pecan Salad

This Autumn Apple and Pecan Salad is an incredibly healthy and delicious recipe.  Crisp apples, tart cranberries, gorgonzola cheese, toasted pecans, and pepitas are combined and drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. A quick and easy salad, perfect for all of your fall and holiday meals and parties.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Salad

Cuisine American

Keyword Fall Recipe, Holiday Recipe, Thanksgiving Side Dish, Salad Recipe, Fall Salad Recipe, Recipe for a crowd, Autumn Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

For The Salad

• 8 cups mixed greens
• 2 Gala apples, thinly sliced or chopped
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced or chopped
• 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese
• 1/2 cup lightly toasted pecans
• 1/4 cup lightly toasted pepitas
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Add all of the dressing ingredients into a mason jar, cover, and shake until well mixed.

2. Add mixed salad greens to large salad bowl. Top with remaining salad ingredients. Toss just before serving. I like to serve with the dressing on the side.

Recipe Notes

We recommend using organic ingredients whenever possible.

Here are some other fall recipes you might enjoy!

Whole Grain Rice and Stuffed Acorn Squash

Green Bean Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Homemade Pumpkin Butter

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins