Crunchy Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad for the Holidays

© Original recipe by Golden Whisk Co. ©

🎉 Crunchy Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad for the Holidays 🍎🌲

1. Introduction

Looking for a festive and refreshing holiday side dish? The holiday apple cranberry salad offers a delightful combination of crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a light, honey-infused dressing. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this colorful cranberry pecan salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. The blend of sweet and tangy flavors will elevate your table and impress guests with its vibrant flavors and textures.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 20 minutes — quick to prepare, so you can focus on the festivities.
• One-bowl wonder — minimal cleanup and easy assembly.
• Colorful & nutritious — packed with fresh fruit, nuts, and antioxidants.
• Versatile — pairs perfectly with roasted meats or as a stand-alone light meal.

3. Ingredient Notes

High-quality ingredients make a world of difference in this festive fruit salad. Use crisp, juicy apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best crunch and sweetness. Fresh cranberries provide tartness and beautiful color, but if unavailable, frozen cranberries work well—just rinse and drain thoroughly. For the nuts, toasted pecans add aromatic flavor and crunch, so lightly toast them in a dry skillet until golden before adding. For the dressing, a blend of honey, lemon juice, and a touch of vanilla creates a light, sweet dressing that balances all flavors beautifully.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

To make this holiday apple cranberry salad, some handy kitchen tools will streamline your prep:

• Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — although primarily for crispy snacks, it’s great for roasting nuts or even warming fruits if needed.
• T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — perfect for easily tossing ingredients and cleaning up afterward.
• Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo — ideal if you want to add grilled fruit or nuts for extra flavor.

5. How to Make Crunchy Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

Prepare the ingredients

Start by washing and drying your apples. Slice them into thin, even wedges—flesh still juicy and crisp. Rinse fresh cranberries and pick out any that are soft or damaged. Toast the pecans in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly browned. Let them cool before chopping.

Mix the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This creates a light, sweet, and tangy dressing that will coat the fruit beautifully and add an aromatic sweetness.

Assemble the salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices and cranberries. Drizzle the dressing over the top, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Fold in the toasted pecans for crunch. Serve immediately for: the freshest flavor and texture. If making ahead, keep refrigerated and toss with nuts just before serving to preserve their crunch.

6. Expert Tips for Success

• Pat your cranberries dry after rinsing—they can add excess moisture if too wet.
• Use crisp, room-temperature apples to prevent browning and maintain crunch.
• Toast the pecans just until fragrant—over-toasting can cause bitterness.
• For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with crumbled feta or goat cheese.
• Make the salad a few hours ahead but add nuts just before serving to keep them crispy.

7. Variations & Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Try these variations:

• For a dairy-free version: omit cheese or add coconut flakes for extra texture.
• Add Protein: toss in cooked chicken or turkey for a hearty twist.
• Different Nuts: substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for variety.
• Sweeteners: replace honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

8. Storage & Reheating

This holiday side dish is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Re-add toasted nuts just before serving for maximum crunch. Since the apples may brown slightly, a quick squeeze of lemon juice helps maintain freshness.

9. FAQ

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, prepare the fruit and dressing ahead of time, but add the nuts just before serving to keep them crispy.

Q: Can I substitute dried cranberries?

A: You can, but fresh cranberries give that tart and juicy texture that makes this salad stand out. If using dried, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain well.

Q: Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?

A: Absolutely! Just ensure the honey in the dressing is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version.

10. Conclusion

This festive fruit salad combines the juicy crunch of apples, the tart brightness of cranberries, and the buttery richness of toasted pecans, making it a perfect holiday apple cranberry salad. Bright, refreshing, and easy to make, it’s destined to become a holiday favorite. Serve it at your next gathering and enjoy the vibrant flavors that will delight your guests!

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